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Council hears request to assign SAVE program rights to new Save Inc.; some councilmembers and public raise transparency, evidence concerns
Summary
City staff presented a proposed reassignment of the SAVE (Strategies Against Violence Everywhere) program’s rights from the Boys & Girls Club to a newly formed nonprofit, Save Inc. Several council members and public commenters pressed for clearer budgets, evidence of an evidence-based model, and transparency about program governance and outcomes.
City staff reported on Jan. 14 that the Boys & Girls Club of Topeka informed the city it would no longer operate the SAVE (Strategies Against Violence Everywhere) program and that the group intends to assign program rights to a new nonprofit, Save Inc. Staff said the city’s prior MOU requires council approval to reassign those rights.
Josh McInarney, deputy director of finance, explained the city has provided $75,000 in general-fund support in each of the prior two years and that the assignment would move operational responsibility to Save Inc. The deputy director said the council must approve an assignment to preserve the city’s ability to disburse the 2025 funding to the new entity.
During council discussion and public comment, Councilwoman Christina Valdivia Alcala (identified as raising concerns) and multiple public commenters pressed for detailed documentation: they asked for Save Inc’s budget, evidence that the organization’s methods are grounded in peer-reviewed, evidence-based violence-intervention practices, details about outreach and performance metrics, and clarity on how Save Inc differs from prior operators. Councilwoman Valdivia Alcala said community organizations and national funders have identified concerns about SAVE’s prior governance and program model, and urged caution before continuing city funding without transparent performance measures.
Deputy director McInarney said staff can provide organizational information but noted that Save Inc had been formed by leaders previously involved with the program and that the city must process the assignment question per the MOU. Council members asked staff to provide additional documentation about Save Inc’s governance, budget and program metrics before directing or releasing new funds. The governing body did not vote to reassign rights or to disburse 2025 funding during the meeting; staff asked for direction and for time to bring a complete package back to council.
