(785) 234-2644
719 S. Kansas Ave. Ste. 100, Topeka, KS 66603
Mission
To foster a vibrant, welcoming, and resilient downtown district by ensuring clean, safe, and well-maintained public spaces through proactive collaboration, community engagement, and responsive services.
Vision
A downtown where every resident, visitor, and business feels secure, inspired, and proud—supported by a clean environment, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Reestablished July 2025, programs and initiatives have been implemented to address safety and cleanliness.
Goals
Strengthen and Expand Our Initiatives
• Expand outreach and collaboration opportunities with community partners, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Identify overlooked areas and emerging needs within the district that require additional attention and support.
• Stay informed and aligned with other community initiatives to maximize impact and shared resources.
• Shift from reactive responses to more proactive, preventative strategies across the distric.
• Continue supporting accountability efforts alongside public safety and community partners.
• Work collaboratively to help ensure individuals who pose a threat to public safety are appropriately addressed through available legal and community systems.
Impact & Progress
Explore the impactful initiatives and ongoing progress driving a cleaner, safer, and stronger Downtown Topeka through the Clean & Safe Task Force.
Beautification & Public Space Enhancement
- • Coordinated ongoing maintenance efforts with the City Forestry Department, Downtown Topeka Foundation, and landscape contractors to enhance and maintain designated downtown spaces.
- • Supported seasonal cleanup efforts, landscaping improvements, and public space enhancement projects throughout the district.
- • Created opportunities for volunteers and community members to participate in beautification and cleanup initiatives.
- • Continues to identify and address areas needing additional maintenance, cleanup, or revitalization attention.
Public Perception Vs. Crime Data
- • Facilitated open conversations between businesses, residents, public safety agencies, and community partners regarding safety concerns and solutions.
- • Shared information and resources to help address misconceptions surrounding downtown safety and crime trends.
- • Increased awareness of ongoing safety initiatives, partnerships, and collaborative response efforts.
Increased Camera Integration
• Coordinated with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Real Time Crime Center to expand business camera integration within the district
• In coordination with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, Downtown Topeka expanded Real Time Crime Center camera integration by adding three new cameras throughout the district
• Strengthened coordination between law enforcement and downtown partners to improve situational awareness and investigative support
- • Continues evaluating opportunities for future camera placement and technology enhancements throughout the district
Emergency Preparedness
- • Provided businesses and stakeholders with access to safety resources, emergency response information, and preparedness materials
- • Coordinated trainings and educational opportunities focused on prevention, safety awareness, and response strategies
- • Contingency planning efforts for severe weather, snow storms, utility disruptions, and other emergency situations impacting downtown.
- • Strengthened communication channels used for real-time updates, alerts, and emergency coordination
Community Recognition & Engagement
- • Recognize businesses, volunteers, organizations, and community members supporting downtown improvement efforts
- • Highlight collaborative projects, beautification initiatives, and public safety partnerships throughout the district
- • Share positive stories, successes, and momentum happening throughout Downtown Topeka
- • Encourage continued community involvement, collaboration, and pride across the downtown district
Meet the Clean & Safe Task Force
The Clean & Safe Task Force brings together local business owners, public safety partners, civic leaders, property owners, and community advocates working together to support a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming downtown Topeka.
Alma Smith
Paul Properties
Andrew Beightel
Topeka Police Department
Angela Broxterman
Midwest Health
Bob Nugent
Topeka Metro Transit Authority
Braxton Copley
Deputy City Manager
Bryan Wheeles
Chief Investigator
Deputy Darrin Marr
Sheriff’s Department
Hayden Federico
The Celtic Fox
Jose Saucedo
KHP Capitol Police
Josh Sturm
Evergy Plaza
Kelly Mitchell / Ben Leavitt
Cyrus Hotel
Lyndsi Cox
Capitol Federal
Mike Kagay
District Attorney
Nick Xidis
Hazel Hill
Nikki Jennings
Anchored Bridges of the Heartland
Pedro Concepcion
NOTO
Scott Gales
Architect One
Stephen Smith
Stephen Smith Gallery
Sterling Emerson
City of Topeka
Travis Tenbrink
City of Topeka
Brittany Laughlin
Keep America Beautiful
Community Partners
Special thanks to the community partners who support Clean & Safe efforts through services, resources, and on-the-ground collaboration.
McDonald’s
Kong’s Junk Removal