Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Downtown Topeka, Inc. is a nonprofit that administers the Capital Business Improvement District in Topeka, Kansas, providing maintenance, safety, marketing, and event services to downtown businesses, residents, and visitors as a founding member of the Greater Topeka Partnership.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersTopeka, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Downtown Topeka, Inc. does
Downtown Topeka, Inc. (DTI) is a private nonprofit organization that administers the Capital Business Improvement District (CBID) in downtown Topeka, Kansas. Founded as part of the Heartland Visioning process in 2008, DTI provides district maintenance, safety coordination, marketing, event programming, and business recruitment/retention services for businesses operating within the BID boundaries. The organization generates revenue through two primary streams: annual BID service fees (calculated per square footage of occupied or unoccupied space within the district, authorized by City of Topeka Municipal Code 3.40.020 and 3.40.030) and corporate sponsorships from entities such as Capitol Federal, Evergy, Giant Communications, Clayton Wealth Partners, and Security Benefit. DTI is governed by a 20+ member Board of Directors and operates with a lean staff of 7 employees, including a District Maintenance Specialist, Marketing Account Manager, Social Media Manager, and Executive Coordinator.
DTI is one of four founding members of the Greater Topeka Partnership, alongside Visit Topeka, GO Topeka, and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, creating a coordinated economic development ecosystem for Topeka and Shawnee County. The organization's signature programs include the 30th Annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade (2025), Downtown Restaurant Week, the Clean and Safe Taskforce, and the trespass letter program in coordination with the Topeka Police Department. DTI also coordinates law enforcement partnerships for camera integration across the downtown district. With 7 employees and no proprietary technology platform, DTI operates as a community-led, place-based service organization rather than a technology company. Its leadership transitioned in July 2025 when Andrew Holt was appointed President, succeeding Interim President Sean Dixon.
In October 2024, DTI participated in unveiling the Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan, a multi-stakeholder initiative including the City of Topeka, Shawnee County, and consulting partner Bolton & Menk, which proposes a pedestrian bridge connecting downtown to the NOTO Arts District and mixed-use riverfront development. Notable downtown development outcomes cited by the organization include $500M+ in completed development over the past decade, 40+ residential lofts with high absorption rates, and 12,200+ public interactions related to the riverfront planning process.
Downtown Topeka, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Downtown Topeka, Inc.
- Legal name
- Downtown Topeka, Inc.
- Website
- https://downtowntopekainc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Downtown Topeka, Inc. is a nonprofit that administers the Capital Business Improvement District in Topeka, Kansas, providing maintenance, safety, marketing, and event services to downtown businesses, residents, and visitors as a founding member of the Greater Topeka Partnership.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Downtown Topeka, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Business Improvement District Administration
- NAICS
- Administration of Economic Programs (9261), Administration of General Economic Programs (92611)
- SIC
- Non-Operating Establishments (9995)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)
Keywords
Where Downtown Topeka, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Topeka
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Downtown Topeka, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Business Improvement District (BID) Fees: Annual service fees levied on businesses located within the Downtown Business Improvement District. These fees are authorized by City ordinance and support services that enhance the downtown area including cleanliness, safety, marketing, vibrancy, community events, beautification efforts, district maintenance, and business promotion.
- Sponsorships and Partnerships: Funding and support from corporate sponsors including Capitol Federal, Evergy, Clayton Wealth Partners, Security Benefit, and other local businesses to support downtown events and initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | BID Annual Service Fee |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Downtown Topeka, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Downtown Topeka, Inc. provides administrative oversight and operational services for the Capital Business Improvement District in Topeka, Kansas. Core offerings include district maintenance and beautification, public safety coordination through the Clean & Safe Taskforce, marketing and merchant promotion, business recruitment and retention, and signature community events such as the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade and Downtown Restaurant Week.
Product overview
Downtown Topeka, Inc. (DTI) is a downtown development organization that provides administrative services and oversight for the Capital Business Improvement District (CBID). Rather than a technology product company, DTI offers a portfolio of place-based services including district maintenance, events programming, business promotion, and community development initiatives. The organization coordinates the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week, holiday window decorating contests, and manages the Clean and Safe Taskforce. DTI also facilitates property development and provides resources for businesses operating within the downtown district. The organization operates under the Greater Topeka Partnership alongside Visit Topeka, GO Topeka, and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Capital Business Improvement District (BID) Administration Annual statutory service-fee-based administration of the Capital Business Improvement District in downtown Topeka, providing maintenance, beautification, marketing, safety, vibrancy, and event services to businesses within district boundaries. Fees are authorized by City of Topeka Municipal Code 3.40.020 and 3.40.030 and assessed based on property square footage from the Shawnee County Appraiser.
- Downtown District Maintenance and Snow Removal Core maintenance, cleaning, and snow removal delivered within the BID boundary to all member businesses and properties via dedicated District Maintenance Specialist staff.
- Clean & Safe Taskforce Program Coordinated public-safety and cleanliness initiative partnering with Topeka Police Department, Topeka Metro Transit Authority, and the Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Real Time Crime Center, including a business camera integration program and trespass letter enforcement coordination with the Shawnee County District Attorney's Office.
- Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade Signature annual Topeka holiday parade; in 2025, the 30th-annual event was officially approved by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) as a rated marching band competition, featuring floats, marching bands, and performances with approximately 200 parade entries, broadcast on WIBW-TV across northeast Kansas.
- Downtown Restaurant Week Promotional dining event series featuring downtown restaurants including Brew Bank, The Celtic Fox, The Pennant, and Hazel Hill Chocolate as participating merchants, with cross-promotion across DTI marketing channels.
- Holiday Window Decorating Contest Annual downtown holiday-themed window decoration competition for businesses within the BID to drive foot traffic and visual activation during the holiday season.
- Downtown Business Recruitment and Retention Proactive recruitment, retention, and engagement of commercial, cultural, and residential opportunities in downtown Topeka, including merchant directory listings and downtown property listings to match prospective tenants with available space.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 40 residential lofts developed with less than 2 weeks vacancy rate
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Downtown Topeka, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Downtown Topeka, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Greater Topeka PartnershipcoreParent organization that brings together Downtown Topeka Inc., Visit Topeka, GO Topeka, and Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development and quality of life in Topeka and Shawnee County. DTI is one of four founding members.
- Visit TopekacoreTourism and visitor promotion organization working alongside DTI on events and downtown activation. Sean Dixon serves as President of Visit Topeka and was Interim President of DTI.
- GO TopekacoreEconomic development organization providing business recruitment and small business support services. Provided assistance to Sparrow Coffee Co. for Link Innovation Labs location.
- Bolton & MenkmajorConsulting partner working with Riverfront Advisory Council to develop Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan. Has helped amass over 12,200 public interactions through community engagement processes.
- Winner PartnersminorNational executive recruitment firm specializing in public-private leadership roles. Led the search that resulted in Andrew Holt's selection as DTI President.
- City of TopekacoreMunicipal government partner providing support for riverfront vision plan and infrastructure projects including Polk-Quincy Viaduct Project.
- Shawnee CountycoreCounty government partner supporting riverfront vision planning and development initiatives.
- Capitol Federalmajor2024 Downtown Activation Sponsor and board member organization providing financial support for downtown events and initiatives.
- Evergymajor2024 Downtown Activation Sponsor and partner for Evergy Plaza development. Chad Carsten serves as Evergy representative on DTI Board.
- Giant CommunicationsmajorPresenting sponsor for Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade. Austin Taylor, General Manager, expressed commitment to holiday parade celebrations.
- Security Benefitminor2024 Downtown Activation Sponsor supporting downtown events and programming.
- Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Real Time Crime CentermajorLaw enforcement partnership for camera integration program expanding business camera systems throughout downtown district for safety and investigative support.
- Shawnee County District Attorney's OfficeminorPartner in camera integration expansion and criminal trespass enforcement coordination.
- Topeka Police DepartmentmajorPublic safety partner with representative Andrew Beightel on Clean & Safe Task Force and coordination on trespass letter program.
- Topeka Metro Transit AuthorityminorTransit partner represented by Bob Nugent on Clean & Safe Task Force supporting downtown accessibility.
- Washburn University Small Business Development Centermajor20+ year partnership supporting small business development in Topeka. Worked with GO Topeka to assist Sparrow Coffee Co. owners.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Downtown Topeka, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Downtown Wichita: Downtown Wichita organization providing BID-equivalent services, events, and district promotion in Wichita, Kansas. Comparable scope and structure within the same state, but serves a different city.
Direct peers
- DowntownDC (Golden Triangle BID): Business Improvement District serving downtown Washington, D.C. Comparable nonprofit BID governance model providing cleanliness, safety, marketing, and economic development services within a defined district.
- Downtown Memphis Commission: Nonprofit downtown management organization that operates a Center City Commission BID in Memphis, TN. Comparable in administering district services, events, and economic development for a defined downtown geography.
- Downtown Lawrence, Inc. Nonprofit BID management organization for downtown Lawrence, Kansas. Directly comparable in structure (BID fees, events, district maintenance) and served as the prior professional home of DTI's current president Andrew Holt.
- Downtown Cleveland Alliance: Nonprofit BID-style organization serving downtown Cleveland, providing district maintenance, safety, marketing, and event programming funded by special assessments on commercial properties.
- Downtown Kansas City: Nonprofit dedicated to downtown Kansas City revitalization through district management, events, and development coordination. Highly comparable mission and BID-style service delivery in a neighboring regional market.
Others
- International Downtown Association: Industry trade association for downtown and BID management organizations. Provides peer benchmarking, training, and best-practice resources directly relevant to DTI's operating model.
- National Main Street Center: Subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation focused on commercial district revitalization through the Main Street Approach. An enabling/thematic peer rather than a direct competitor, sharing the district-revitalization mission.
Broad incumbents
- Visit Topeka: Sister organization within the Greater Topeka Partnership focused on tourism promotion and visitor experience. Operates adjacent to DTI's scope and shares leadership overlap (Sean Dixon served as both DTI Interim President and Visit Topeka President).
- GO Topeka: Economic development arm of the Greater Topeka Partnership responsible for business recruitment and retention across the Topeka MSA. Overlaps with DTI on business attraction but operates at a broader geography than the downtown BID.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Downtown Topeka, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceDowntown Topeka, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Downtown Topeka, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Downtown Topeka, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Downtown Topeka, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Downtown Topeka, Inc.
What does Downtown Topeka, Inc. do?
Downtown Topeka, Inc. provides administrative oversight and operational services for the Capital Business Improvement District in Topeka, Kansas. Core offerings include district maintenance and beautification, public safety coordination through the Clean & Safe Taskforce, marketing and merchant promotion, business recruitment and retention, and signature community events such as the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade and Downtown Restaurant Week.
Is Downtown Topeka, Inc. a public or private company?
Downtown Topeka, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Downtown Topeka, Inc. founded?
Downtown Topeka, Inc. was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Downtown Topeka, Inc. based?
Downtown Topeka, Inc. is headquartered in Topeka, United States, in the North America region.
How does Downtown Topeka, Inc. make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Business Improvement District (BID) Fees are the primary driver. The others are sponsorships and Partnerships.
Who are Downtown Topeka, Inc.'s main competitors?
Downtown Wichita is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are DowntownDC (Golden Triangle BID), Downtown Memphis Commission, Downtown Lawrence, Inc., Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Downtown Kansas City. Others are International Downtown Association and National Main Street Center. Broad incumbents are Visit Topeka and GO Topeka.
Does Downtown Topeka, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Downtown Topeka, Inc..
What industry is Downtown Topeka, Inc. in?
Downtown Topeka, Inc.'s product category is Business Improvement District Administration. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAIACAN, Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local), with a secondary code of BPAIACAA, Mayor/City Manager & General Administration. Its NAICS code is 9261 and its SIC code is 9995.