How we got here.........

 The Implementation Plan 2021 for Topeka's housing strategy is a follow-up action document to the Citywide Housing Market Study & Strategy (adopted July 21, 2020). It was developed to provide concrete, initial steps for addressing the study's identified housing shortages and needs.

Key Details

• Development Process: Following the Governing Body's adoption of the main study, a motion directed the City Manager to collaborate with citizens, staff, housing providers, and council members to create a starting implementation plan within 120 days.
  The original steering committee expanded to include affordable housing providers, study sponsors, neighborhood leaders, and elected officials. They focused on prioritizing actionable recommendations to "kick start" implementation.
• Approval: The plan was approved by the Topeka Governing Body on December 8, 2020 (often referenced as "Implementation Plan 2021" due to its focus on 2021 actions).
• Purpose and Scope: It narrows the broad findings and 150+ pages of recommendations from the main study into targeted, achievable goals for the near term (primarily 2021).
  The plan emphasizes "early wins" rather than attempting to solve everything at once. It addresses gaps like quality affordable housing shortages across price ranges, aging stock needing rehab, senior-specific needs, and barriers to economic growth from insufficient housing supply.

Main Focus Areas and Examples from Available DetailsWhile the full document text isn't publicly hosted as a standalone PDF on the city's site (it's referenced in context with the main study), news coverage and city descriptions highlight these key elements prioritized by the Implementation Plan Committee:

• Five Primary Goals for 2021 — The committee narrowed the study's recommendations to five focused areas (specific titles aren't listed in summaries, but they align with high-priority needs).
• Senior Housing and Support — Recommendations include creating databases and presentations for seniors to aid long-term planning, paired with proposals for "income-based maintenance-free senior housing" options. Other senior living enhancements were slated for rollout throughout 2021.
• Affordable Housing Preservation and Production — Emphasis on renovating existing homes/multi-family properties, new construction, reduced unit sizes, and leveraging existing stock. The plan recognizes no single solution fits all needs and promotes multiple approaches.
• Targeted Investment in Focus Areas — Building on the study's call for ~$314 million in investments in underserved "focus areas" (e.g., eastern Topeka, impacted by historical factors like redlining and lack of amenities).
• Broader Ties — It supports related efforts like "missing middle" housing policies (e.g., duplexes, townhomes) and integrates with federal programs (e.g., later HOME-ARP funding for homelessness in 2021-2022 amendments to the Consolidated Plan).

The plan is described as well-founded, with identified partners, thoughtful goals, and readiness for execution. It serves as a bridge to longer-term strategies in the city's Consolidated Action Plan (2021-2025) and ongoing programs like home rehab, buyer assistance, and homeless services.Access and Further InformationThe Implementation Plan 2021 is referenced directly on the City of Topeka's Housing Services page under the Citywide Housing Market Study & Strategy section:
https://www.topeka.org/housing-services/81-2 For the full details or a copy (if available via request), contact the City's Planning and Development Office or Housing Services Division (e.g., Rhiannon Friedman at 785-368-3007 for related RHID/housing incentive discussions, or the Housing Services team via the site). It may be available through public records request or as part of archived Governing Body materials from December 2020.This plan directly informs RHID applications by demonstrating ongoing commitment to addressing the housing shortages outlined in K.S.A. 12-5244 findings.