Residents press Topeka council for equity, housing trust funding and fiscal accountability at 2026 budget hearing

The governing body opened a public hearing on the proposed 2026 operating budget on Sept. 2, where residents and agency representatives urged the council to shift priorities toward equity, affordable housing and fiscal accountability.

Josh MacInerney, the city’s budget and finance director, explained the hearing was an opportunity for general feedback and noted the staff must submit a final budget to the state by Oct. 1. Several speakers urged specific changes: Amy Hyten, an attorney and director at the Lois Curtis Center, said closing the city’s DEI office had reduced resources for marginalized communities and pointed to a rise in diversity among the unhoused population (from 18% in 2022 to 46% in the most recent point‑in‑time count). “Raising all areas of the city is the work of this council and should be reflected in its budget,” Hyten said and provided written testimony with equity-focused recommendations.

Faith and advocacy groups pressed for a $2 million addition to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Pastor Gage Church of Central Congregational United Church of Christ, a Topeka JUMP executive-committee member, said council members Duncan and Miller had previously signaled support for an annual $2 million investment if staff advanced a plan.

Several public commenters and council members also criticized what they called uneven application of incentives and waivers that favor developers with unpaid assessments. Michelle Bradbury warned that the FY26 deficit relied on one‑time transfers and reserves and cited a projected $15 million shortfall in FY27. Councilmembers discussed possible CIP and contract adjustments to create savings, and several members signaled they intend to bring amendments when the budget returns as an action item next week.