TOPEKA (KSNT) – A major City of Topeka official has announced his retirement plans Wednesday.
City of Topeka officials shared in a press release on Sept. 2 that Deputy City Manager Braxton Copley will be retiring at the start of 2027. This follows a more than 20-year career of service to the Capital City.
Copley has served in a variety of roles with the city over the course of the past two decades, including working as director for several departments such as Utilities, Public Works, Economic Development and Planning. He took up the role of assistant city manager in August 2024 and later, as deputy city manager, oversaw the city’s Infrastructure and Development areas.
“Braxton has dedicated a significant portion of his career to serving the people of Topeka, and his knowledge of our organization, our infrastructure and our community is invaluable,” said City Manager Robert Perez in a City of Topeka press release. “He has been a trusted leader and colleague, and his commitment to finding solutions and improving the services we provide has made a lasting difference for the City. We are grateful for his many years of service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Copley’s work also extends to providing leadership on multiple issues impacting the city’s infrastructure and other essential services. Copley has provided oversight of Public Works and Utilities, capital improvement planning, transportation and stormwater initiatives along with other big projects designed to either maintain or improve Topeka’s local infrastructure.
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“I have been honored by the opportunity to serve Topeka for more than 20 years in various roles for the municipal government,” Copley said in a City of Topeka press release. “I am grateful for the many people I have had the opportunity to work with and for the experiences I have gained throughout my career. It has been a privilege to serve the City of Topeka and its residents.”
Copley’s last day with the City of Topeka is set for Jan. 4, 2027. Perez and other city staff will work together regarding finding a candidate to take up Copley’s position following his retirement.
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