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Council moves to activate Topeka Affordable Housing Trust Fund; debate over consultant language
Summary
The council approved ordinance updates to activate the Topeka Affordable Housing Trust Fund and set a process to appoint a review committee. Advocates urged the city to commit regular public funding; some council members and public commenters objected to allowing trust funds to be used for consulting services.
The governing body on March 18 approved ordinance changes to activate the Topeka Affordable Housing Trust Fund and to set a selection process for a citizen review committee to allocate trust funds.
Public commenter Carol Babcock, representing advocacy groups, thanked the city for initiating the trust fund but urged the council to secure a dedicated annual public funding source rather than rely on private donations. She also opposed a proposed provision that would permit trust-fund dollars to be used for consulting services, calling that a poor use of scarce funds and expressing concern that consultants could delay or derail action.
Staff summarized changes adopted by the Policy & Finance Committee: (1) an eligible-uses section that includes consulting as an optional permitted expense (staff said it is an option, not a requirement and would be available only when the citizen review committee determined it was necessary); (2) removal of a named Kansas Housing Resources Corporation seat from the review committee because staff said KHRC staff advised it would present a conflict to hold a dedicated city seat; and (3) replacement of the removed seat with an additional mayor-appointed resident seat to be approved by the governing body. The ordinance also adds conflict-of-interest language referencing state law to clarify committee members’ recusal obligations.
Council debate highlighted two themes: whether consultant fees should be allowed at all and whether the committee composition should prioritize fundraising expertise. Deputy Mayor and others said consulting language is a common provision in other cities’ trust-fund policies to help design sustainable funding strategies; other council members said the city should first draw on local expertise and civic groups. The council approved the ordinance on a roll-call vote (nine yes votes recorded). Staff said a citizen review committee will be appointed and the council will receive a report when the committee convenes.
Advocates said they will continue to press for a dedicated annual public funding source as the committee begins work; several council members suggested the committee should examine possible funding options, including future ballot measures or revenue sources such as a dedicated sales-tax increment.
