Topeka Wins $200K to Cut Emissions and Boost Accessibility

Topeka just proved that solving climate challenges and helping people with disabilities don't have to be separate missions.

The Kansas city received $200,000 through a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Instead of just focusing on emissions, city leaders decided to tackle two goals at once: cutting greenhouse gases and making public buildings more accessible for people with disabilities.

The project will upgrade City Hall, the Holliday building, the Law Enforcement Center, and all Topeka fire stations. Each facility will get a detailed evaluation for both energy efficiency improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades.

"By aligning ADA compliance upgrades with energy efficiency improvements, we can create safer, more accessible spaces while reducing long-term operational costs and environmental impact," said City Manager Dr. Robert Perez. The city hired Bureau Veritas, a global inspection and testing company, to develop the comprehensive plan.

The funding came from a larger $3 million grant that Kansas received from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2023. The state created an Emission Reduction and Mitigation Plan to help communities across Kansas address climate issues with real, measurable solutions.

The Ripple Effect

This approach shows how climate action can strengthen communities in multiple ways at once. By combining accessibility upgrades with emission reductions, Topeka will lower energy bills, reduce its carbon footprint, and ensure more residents can access city services comfortably.

The dual focus means taxpayer dollars work twice as hard. Energy efficient buildings cost less to operate over time, freeing up budget for other community needs. Meanwhile, improved accessibility means better service for the thousands of Kansans who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.

The city must complete the entire project within one year of receiving the funds. Evaluations are already underway, with results expected soon from the on-site assessments based on Topeka's ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.

Cities across America are watching these combined approaches to infrastructure improvement, and Topeka's model could inspire similar dual-purpose projects nationwide.