27 February 2024
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Topeka is getting closer to finding a new city manager. City leaders gave an update Tuesday on where the hiring process stands.
Interim City Manager Richard Nienstedt said the city has received 42 applications for the position. The governing body reviewed each of those candidates during executive session at its Feb. 20 meeting. Nienstedt said the council hopes to select finalists at its March 19 council meeting.
Once the finalists are announced, Nienstedt said in-person interviews should begin the second week of April. These interviews will involve multiple opportunities for the public to give feedback to council, including panel discussions and a community meet and greet event.
Nienstedt said if the process goes according to plan, Topeka should have a new city manager by mid-May.
“I want you understand this is entirely the council’s decision,” Nienstedt said. “So hopefully, they’ll work through those candidates, and you’ll have a new city manager by then that this community can look forward to.”
Mayor Michael Padilla encouraged the community to attend these public events and give feedback on the candidates and selection process. Padilla said he wants to see diverse turnout that represents the population of Topeka.
“It’s important for us to have some feel for how well you think the city government has done their job in finding the best person for this position,” Padilla said. “So it’s important for us to pursue that with the community.”
Topeka’s previous city manager, Stephen Wade, was terminated in July of last year after serving less than a year in the role. A city spokeswoman said the reason for the termination was an “inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.”
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