City of Topeka planning and development director stepping down

TOPEKA (KSNT) – A top Topeka administrator is stepping down from her role with the city later this month.

City of Topeka spokesman Dan Garrett said in a statement that Friedman, the city’s current planning and development director, has shared her intention to step down by Aug. 15. She was initially hired to the position in July 2023.

“Rhiannon Friedman has been an immense asset to the City of Topeka, and her leadership in Planning and Development will be deeply missed,” said Topeka City Manager Robert Perez. “She has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing and worked tirelessly to help move our city forward. We wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Friedman has also served in the roles of director of development and economic growth with the city in the past and president of Downtown Topeka, Inc. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Kansas State University.

“After years of leading complex projects and delivering meaningful results, I’m excited to build on that momentum in a new role that aligns closely with my long-term goals,” Friedman said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served in this role and to have worked with such a dedicated and talented team.”

Friedman’s departure marks the second upper-level vacancy with the City of Topeka in August. Perez shared with 27 News on Aug. 6 a statement regarding the resignation of former City Attorney Amanda Stanley.

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