Topeka development board authorizes staff to petition for Hotel Topeka community improvement district

The Topeka Development Corporation voted Feb. 10 to authorize staff to submit a petition for a 2¢ community improvement district on the Hotel Topeka property, a step that would begin a public legislative process before the City Council.

Deputy City Manager Copley told directors the action is the first of a three‑step process: TDC authorizes staff to file the petition, the city council would set a public hearing, and an ordinance establishing the CID could come in March. “This is simply to authorize, TDC staff, meaning the executive director and assistant secretary, to submit the petition on behalf of the TDC to get the ball rolling for the 2¢ CID on Hotel Topeka,” he said.

Copley said the CID is estimated to generate approximately $3,200,000 over the 22‑year life of the district. He also reminded the board that the governing body has already adopted a charter ordinance imposing an 8¢ transient guest tax on Hotel Topeka and that any amount of that 8¢ above the 2025 base year would be used by the city to reimburse itself.

After brief discussion, the board took a roll call; the clerk reported eight yes votes and the motion carried, authorizing staff to file the petition with the city clerk.

The authorization does not itself create the CID or change tax rates; those matters require further steps by the City Council, including a public hearing and an ordinance. Copley told the board those subsequent steps would follow the city’s usual CID process.

Next steps: staff will file the petition with the city clerk and the council will be asked to set a public hearing on the proposed CID.