**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 2.5 years. His prior contract included a $255,000 salary plus benefits.
- **Continuity plan**: Duncan emphasized a clear plan so day-to-day city services continue while the governing body starts the search for a permanent city manager “in the coming months.” He framed the transition as a chance to review the city manager’s office, its support for departments/employees, and how it carries out citizen priorities, with clearer expectations for leadership and accountability.
### Interim Leadership
- **Braxton Copley** (Deputy City Manager, 20+ years with the city, retiring effective Jan. 4, 2027) serves as interim city manager through October 26.
- **Michael Webb** (not a current city employee) takes over as interim beginning October 27 and serves until a permanent appointment. Webb has more than 30 years of municipal management experience, including 16 years as city manager of Edwardsville, Kansas (2007–2023). He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas and has handled interim roles in other Kansas cities. Duncan noted that Webb’s past work strengthened finances, professionalized operations, and supported economic development.
The WIBW story tracks the same facts but is less precise on the handoff dates; the Capital-Journal account is clearer. No further public details on the resignation circumstances or the permanent search timeline have been released beyond the mayor’s statement that operations will continue normally.