City Manager Robert Perez proposed a 0.5¢ general-use sales tax (≈$20M/year) and a 0.1¢ housing tax (≈$4M/year) for the March 2, 2027 ballot and recommended a charter amendment to create a city auditor; councilmembers pressed for clearer spending language, limits on market-rate development, and a work session before finalizing ballot language.

The housing committee summarized ongoing work on reducing barriers to housing, said the 'missing middle' duplex/plex amendments have moved to the governing body with no recommendation, and pointed to the city’s consolidated action plan noting median home prices and rents have risen faster than incomes.

Development Strategies presented a housing‑study update concluding the city faces demand for just over 4,200 units across the affordability spectrum over 20 years, citing population decline, household‑size shifts, increased rents and recent multifamily deliveries; staff and council discussed infill, vacant‑building rehabilitation, and rental‑registry/licensure options.

After a public hearing and questions from council members over affordability and a $2.6 million RHID cap on a $9.8 million project, the Topeka governing body approved the Winward Estates Reinvestment Housing District and authorized the city manager to execute the development agreement, with three council members voting no.

The Topeka City Council voted to establish the Johnson Betts Meadows Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and approved a development agreement for a 176‑unit affordable housing project that includes project‑based vouchers and a $4.6 million maximum RHID reimbursement.

During public comment, residents urged the council to adopt rent control measures, Dr. Justin Spies described pending civil-rights litigation against city police officers, and a community member urged negotiators to require local-hiring and apprenticeship commitments in large affordable-housing projects.

Council passes rezoning from single-family to multi-family for new duplex development.

Council proposes funding to create affordable housing units and hire fundraising staff.