Topeka Lodging Association updates council on TBID, plaza and event support

Kurt Young, executive director of the Topeka Lodging Association, presented the Topeka Tourism Business Improvement District annual report to the Topeka City Council May 12, describing TBID support for downtown programming and Evergy Plaza operations.

Young said the TBID was established following the city’s 2017 ordinance and began operations in 2018. For 2025, the Topeka Lodging Association contributed $244,355 and reported a budgeted allocation of $327,800 to support Evergy Plaza; Young reported a 2025 shortfall of $50,411 attributed to transitions in hotel ownership and the earlier closure of Heartland Park racetrack, which removed approximately 6,000 room nights annually. He said Heartland Park’s planned reopening should help recoup some room‑night losses.

For 2027, Young proposed distributing about $298,800 to the downtown Topeka Foundation for plaza operations, with the TBID retaining roughly 10% for operations, the city taking a 2% administrative cut, a 3% contingency, and an additional ~3% anticipated for tournament barbecue costs tied to the Kansas Kids Wrestling events. Young highlighted the economic impact of large events — roughly 2,800 wrestlers for the primary tournament — and said the TLA also secured an additional wrestling tournament bringing about 1,800 wrestlers.

Councilmembers thanked Young for the presentation, noted the TBID’s role in programming and downtown activation, and asked staff to provide any additional background materials requested by council committees.