Time to change
**Topeka City Manager Robert (Dr. Robert M.) Perez resigned effective immediately on October 20, 2026.** Mayor Spencer Duncan announced it after that evening’s City Council meeting, following an hour-long executive session that Perez did not attend. The governing body accepted the resignation and approved interim leadership to keep operations running without interruption. ### Key Details - **No stated reason / no wrongdoing**: Duncan gave no specific cause. He said, “This is a personnel and leadership transition and does not involve any issues of wrongdoing.” He thanked Perez and his family for their service and wished him well. Council members (including Karen Hiller, David Banks, and Brett Kell) expressed surprise or regret; Kell said he was “shocked” and had been a supporter since the hiring process. - **Tenure**: Perez was selected in May 2024 (unanimous council vote) from assistant city manager roles in Dallas and started around late June 2024. He had served roughly 2...
