(Many thanks)====== From Carolyn +

Great editorial about the city council meeting. Got some good responses. The bottom line is public involvement. Because in theory in the United States, we have self government. Motivating people to get involved is the problems facing us. We have mistakenly assumed that the people in leadership are doing their jobs. People need to know, which historically has been the role of the press, and we know the press in Topeka is not adequate. They should be informing us. 

After reading your editorial on Facebook today, I googled which governmental body decides school boundaries and I found out that was the school board. Not only do we know nothing about the Supreme Court judges that the governmental authority places in office currently we also know nothing about the school board members until after an election. 

Anyway, thanks for writing that. For several years, I’ve been trying to get together some people to go have a meeting with the state legislature about some education issues, but I need more information and teachers have no time.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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buildforce

A Reflective Evening at Topeka City Council

Last night I spoke during public comment at the Topeka City Council meeting, and I walked away with a clear realization: I can no longer simply walk in and wing it. The energy in the room hit me harder than usual, and it stirred up some deep emotions about our city.

As someone who grew up in Topeka and whose family has roots here going back generations, I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much (or how little) has truly changed. My grandfather played a small role in the events surrounding the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. That ruling was supposed to ensure every child could attend a quality school in their own neighborhood. Yet here we are, decades later, still operating 72 bus routes in USD 501 at a cost of roughly $400 per day per route. Multiply that across the school year and it adds up fast.

I’m not an education expert, but it feels like we’ve moved from the simple principle of neighborhood schools to something more like a demographic science project. Dr. Anderson and the leadership seem focused on balancing numbers of white, Black, and Brown students across buildings rather than ensuring every child has a strong school close to home. The core question remains: How is this better for the kids or the community than what Brown aimed to achieve?

Topeka’s struggles run deeper than one issue. I hear candidates for governor talking about the “swamp” in Topeka, and moments like last night make it hard to disagree. We keep hearing proposals to raise the sales tax, and while I’m not personally opposed to supporting important services, I am deeply opposed to the lack of transparency around where that money actually goes. What happened to the $125 million? Where did the funds for projects like the hotel deal, AT&T, Wolf’s Camera, and others end up? How have those investments made daily life better for Topeka families?

When budgets fall short, the pressure rolls downhill to real estate taxes and our schools. It’s a classic butterfly effect — poor decisions at the top create ripple effects that make it harder for families, businesses, and neighborhoods to thrive.

I had an emotional moment at the podium. I don’t feel like I was the best version of myself up there, but the feelings are real and shared by many longtime Topekans who love this city and want better for it — and for the next generation, including my own daughter.

We can do better. That starts with real transparency, accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent, and a renewed focus on practical outcomes over experiments. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak and even more committed to showing up prepared and contributing constructively going forward.

What are your thoughts? Have you seen positive changes in our schools or local spending that I’m missing? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments.

— Henry McClure Topeka, Kansas

Keep going

For a massive 200-linear-foot retaining wall, the most cost-effective solution depends entirely on the height of the wall and whether you plan to use heavy machinery. At this scale, tracking unit rates strictly is the key to preventing massive cost overruns. [1, 2] 

If your wall is under 3 to 4 feet tall, standard segmental concrete blocks are your most economical, low-maintenance option. If the wall is over 4 feet tall, transitioning to large commercial-grade gravity blocks or a poured concrete wall will yield the best structural value per square foot. [3, 4, 5] 

------------------------------

## Cost-Effective Options for 200 Linear Feet

| Material Option [4, 5, 6, 7, 8] | Est. Cost per Linear Foot | Total Material & Base Est. (200 ft) | Best Structural Use Cases |

|---|---|---|---|

| Segmental Concrete Blocks | $30 – $75 | $6,000 – $15,000 | Walls under 4 ft tall; excellent for handling curves and clean site integration. |

| Large Gravity Blocks (Commercial) | $60 – $270 | $12,000 – $54,000 | Taller walls (3 to 6+ ft); self-supporting by massive weight (1,000+ lbs per block). |

| Gabion Wire Baskets | $50 – $120 | $10,000 – $24,000 | Sites requiring serious, instant drainage or built-in erosion control. |

| Poured Concrete | $50 – $150 | $10,000 – $30,000 | Maximum sheer strength; best if hiring a commercial grading crew. |

------------------------------

## Hidden Scalability Factors at 200 Feet

A project spanning 200 feet amplifies structural and logistical needs exponentially. To secure the best value, plan around these civil engineering realities:

* The 4-Foot Threshold: In most municipal jurisdictions, any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in total height requires stamped engineered drawings and a formal building permit. Keeping your wall under 4 feet significantly slashes administrative and engineering costs. [3, 4] 

* Base Preparation & Initial Row: At 200 feet, if your first row of blocks isn't perfectly level, the entire wall will lean or fail by the time you reach the end. Budgeting for a rock-solid, compacted gravel leveling pad is non-negotiable. [6] 

* Massive Backfill and Drainage: A 200-foot span traps a monumental volume of hydrostatic water pressure. You must integrate a continuous perforated French drain pipe wrapped in geotextile fabric behind the base row, backfilled entirely with clean, angular aggregate stone to prevent blowout failures. [4, 9, 10] 

* Avoid Temporary Fixed Costs: While landscape timbers are cheaper upfront ($20–$40/lf), a 200-foot wood wall creates a massive future liability when it rots and warps out of alignment in 10 to 15 years, requiring an entirely new mass excavation project. [4, 7, 11] 

To dial in an exact material list or cost breakdown, let me know:

* What is the average height of the wall across this 200-foot run?

* Does the terrain require a straight line or are there bends and curves to navigate?

* Are you planning to pull site preparation equipment (like an excavator or skid steer) onto the property?

[1] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtAPjt9PogE)

[2] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pb9--fZ2dE)

[3] [https://www.colonialnewburgh.com](https://www.colonialnewburgh.com/blog/retaining-wall-cost)

[4] [https://jameslandscaping.com](https://jameslandscaping.com/retaining-wall-cost-a-complete-guide-to-materials-labor-and-realistic-price-ranges/)

[5] [https://homeguide.com](https://homeguide.com/costs/concrete-retaining-wall-cost)

[6] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gktw-cNy2Mk&vl=en)

[7] [https://jameslandscaping.com](https://jameslandscaping.com/retaining-wall-cost-a-complete-guide-to-materials-labor-and-realistic-price-ranges/)

[8] [https://bucklandscapingmn.com](https://bucklandscapingmn.com/blog/best-retaining-wall-materials/)

[9] [https://www.youtube.com](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpA4tUrI8CE)

[10] [https://www.homeadvisor.com](https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/landscape/install-concrete-retaining-wall/)

[11] [https://www.nelsonlandscapingok.com](https://www.nelsonlandscapingok.com/retaining-wall-installation-cost/)

I'm

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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Kansas Pollinator Week 2026: Governor Kelly Issues Proclamation Supporting Conservation Efforts

Governor Laura Kelly has officially proclaimed June 22–28, 2026, as Kansas Pollinator Week. The declaration, made at the request of the Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners (SCEMG), highlights the critical role pollinators play in Kansas agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and overall quality of life.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators—including bees, butterflies, moths, bats, beetles, and hummingbirds—are essential to our food system and environment:

• Nearly 90% of all flowering plants rely on them for reproduction.
• 75% of crop species depend on pollinators.
• Approximately 35% of the global food supply comes from bee and insect pollination.

Unfortunately, pollinator populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, introduced diseases, and climate change. Pollinator Week serves as an important annual reminder (both nationally through the Pollinator Partnership and at the state level) to raise awareness and encourage action.

Local Events and Education from SCEMG

The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will use the week to share research-based educational content with the public. Highlights include:

• Daily informational posts throughout the week on the Friends of SCEMG Facebook page.
• Tuesday, June 23, 6:00 PM – Wildflower walk at Grant Bradbury Prairie.
• Thursday, June 25, 10:00 AM – Noon – “Make Your Own Wildflower Seed Bombs” event in partnership with the Topeka Zoo, held in front of the Shawnee County Extension Office (1740 SW Western Avenue, Topeka).

These hands-on activities provide practical ways for residents, homeowners, local governments, and businesses to support pollinator habitats.

Quote from the proclamation context: “We know that if everyone – home-owners, local governments, national governments, and private industry – make the effort we can change the future for pollinators and help secure our own.”

For more information, contact:

• Lane Wiens, Horticulture Agent
• Phone: 785-232-0062, ext. 104
• Email: lwwiens@ksu.edu

This is a great opportunity for Topeka and Shawnee County residents to get involved in simple, impactful conservation steps—whether planting pollinator-friendly gardens, reducing pesticide use, or attending the local events. Supporting pollinators strengthens our local agriculture, biodiversity, and long-term environmental health.

---

 

Koch

**Summary of the Article**

The opinion column by Elizabeth Patton (Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity in Kansas), published May 23, 2026, in *The Topeka Capital-Journal*, argues that Kansas’s efforts to address its housing shortage through subsidies have failed, while praising a new law focused on reducing regulatory barriers.

Key points:

- The **Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit (KAHTC)**, enacted in 2022 as a state match to the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, has awarded nearly **$73 million** in credits to 67 projects since 2023. However, a Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit review found that **no investors have yet used** these credits (as of the audit period), meaning no actual tax revenue has been foregone yet—but the potential liability is up to **$730 million** if/when claimed.

- The program is portrayed as ineffective at actually increasing affordable housing supply despite the awards, contrasting with claims of it being a success.

- The Legislature has acted to limit and phase out the program due to these concerns.

- In contrast, **Senate Bill 418** (the By-Right Housing Development Act), signed into law in April 2026, is presented as a superior, market-oriented solution that cuts red tape to boost supply without taxpayer subsidies.

**Deep Dive and Context**

### The Kansas Affordable Housing Tax Credit (KAHTC)

- **Design**: It provides a state income tax credit matching the federal LIHTC to incentivize developers and investors to build or rehabilitate affordable rental housing. Awards are handled by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).

- **Audit Findings** (September 2025 Legislative Post Audit): Significant awards but zero utilization to date. Credits become usable only after projects are completed and occupied by qualifying tenants. This led to criticism over potential future revenue losses without guaranteed results. Some defenders noted offsets like economic activity, jobs, and capital investment, but the audit highlighted data and cost concerns.

- **Broader Debate**: Supporters of tax credits argue they leverage private investment for public goals. Critics (like the column’s author and AFP) see them as inefficient subsidies that don’t address root causes and risk fiscal waste. Earlier bills (e.g., around 2025) sought to eliminate or cap the state match.

### Senate Bill 418 (By-Right Housing Development Act)

This is the article’s positive counterpoint. Enacted in 2026 with bipartisan elements, it focuses on **supply-side reforms** rather than demand-side subsidies.

Major provisions:

- **Streamlined approvals**: Requires local governments to approve qualifying ("by-right") housing developments on a set timeline if they meet existing zoning and codes. Limits discretionary review. Includes options for third-party reviews/inspections if governments delay.

- **Reduced minimum lot sizes**: Lowers barriers for single-family homes (e.g., to as low as 3,000 sq ft in some contexts), allowing denser use of land. Examples cited: Wichita (previously 5,000 sq ft), Kansas City (often ~7,150 sq ft in single-family zones).

- **Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)**: Allows homeowners to build secondary units (e.g., for rentals or family) by right.

- **Zoning reforms**: Prevents cities from banning single-family homes in residential zones; adjusts protest petition rules for rezoning; ensures more land is available for single-family development.

- **Impact Potential**: Aimed at cities like Garden City and Emporia where zoning restricts buildable land significantly. Supporters, including groups like the Pacific Legal Foundation (whose model legislation influenced it), argue this will lower costs, increase supply, and improve affordability without new spending.

**Legislative Timeline** (SB 418): Passed Senate (Jan/Feb 2026), House (March), signed by Gov. Laura Kelly (April 7, 2026).

### Broader Kansas Housing Context

Kansas faces a recognized housing shortage, especially affordable units (e.g., Kansas City metro cited with a large deficit). Like many states, issues stem from post-pandemic demand, construction costs, labor shortages, and local zoning/permitting delays. The column frames the problem as primarily **supply-constrained by regulation** ("red tape" and NIMBY-style local controls) rather than purely a funding gap. This aligns with national YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) and regulatory reform movements emphasizing zoning liberalization for more "missing middle" housing.

**Critiques and Counterpoints** (for balance):

- Tax credit defenders argue the audit timing was premature (projects take years to complete) and that economic multipliers matter.

- Zoning reforms can face local resistance over concerns like neighborhood character, infrastructure strain, traffic, or property values.

- Effectiveness of SB 418 will depend on local implementation and whether it meaningfully shifts permitting culture.

**Relevance to Your Work/Advocacy**

As someone deeply involved in Topeka/Shawnee County real estate development, zoning, TIF/CID processes, drainage/utilities, and pushing for "shovel-ready" projects and economic growth, this fits your long-standing critiques of bureaucracy and inconsistent local handling. SB 418’s focus on timely approvals, reduced lot sizes, and by-right development could support projects like your Eveningside Northwest/37th & Gage efforts, pickleball/55+ concepts, or other mixed-use ideas by lowering barriers and costs. It echoes your calls for transparency, uniform treatment, and practical progress over subsidies or delays.

If you’d like me to draft a public comment, blog post, YouTube script summary, or compare this to specific local Topeka issues (e.g., current zoning or incentives), just let me know! I can also pull more on the full audit or bill text.

Henry McClure

785.383.9994 

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