Daisy Karimi
- For City Council -District 3
Platform & Priorities
Building a City That Works for Everyone
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Affordable Housing & Tenant Protections
Topeka City Council has the authority to shape housing policy through zoning updates and housing trust fund allocations. I’ll advocate for more support for programs like the Emergency Home Repair Program and help champion concepts like CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization) partnerships to increase the availability of affordable housing units in our neighborhoods.
I will also work to pass a local tenants’ rights ordinance that improves notice requirements for evictions, supports a fair housing complaint process, and strengthens code enforcement against slumlords.
Despite ongoing housing instability, Topeka still lacks a citywide rental registry and rental inspection system—critical tools already in use in cities like KCK and Lawrence to protect renters and maintain safe housing standards. This gap has persisted without leadership, and I intend to help change that.
In addition, I’ll advocate for first-time homebuyer support focused on working families—through down payment assistance, partnering with community organization/developers, financial literacy workshops, and programs that help residents buy into the neighborhoods they already call home. Everyone deserves a fair shot at building equity and generational stability right here in Topeka.
District 3 Oriented
I’ll also push for more affordable retirement housing options within the district, so our elders can continue to live with dignity and security in the communities they’ve helped shape.
Housing is more than a roof—it’s the foundation for safety, stability, and a stronger Topeka.
Economic Opportunity for Local Businesses
Topeka uses tools like the Neighborhood Revitalization Act, TIF districts, and JEDO funds to boost economic development. I’ll advocate to ensure these tools benefit corridors like 6th Street, Adams, and California Ave—not just major developers. I’ll also work alongside other districts to make sure underserved areas citywide are no longer overlooked in economic planning.
I’ll push for accessible licensing for home-based and mobile businesses, and ensure mom-and-pop shops and minority-owned businesses can access city-backed loans and grants. The backbone of Topeka is our small businesses—and we should be working with them, not against them. I’ll also partner with local organizations to ensure these opportunities are truly within reach for every resident.
District 3 Goal Oriented :
For too long, economic incentives have bypassed the very businesses already serving and employing our neighbors. I’ll propose a Microgrant Fund to fill this gap—offering direct support to local entrepreneurs and helping our community grow from the ground up.
Neighborhood Revitalization & Infrastructure
City Council plays a direct role in determining where infrastructure investments go through the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). I’ll fight to ensure District 3 neighborhoods like East Topeka, Oakland, Hi-Crest and Highland Park are prioritized—not left behind.
This means investing in long-overdue street and sidewalk repairs, installing ADA-compliant curb ramps, improving stormwater drainage, and expanding access to safe bus stops and public transit infrastructure.
I’ll also advocate for LED streetlight upgrades in high-traffic pedestrian areas and residential zones where poor lighting puts families at risk. Our public parks deserve proper maintenance, play structures, and upgrades that make them safe and welcoming for community use.
Neighborhood revitalization must be community-driven. I’ll support initiatives that give residents real influence over city planning, funding priorities, and beautification projects—so our neighborhoods reflect the pride and vision of the people who live in them.
Finally, as I walk District 3 and listen to residents, I’ve noticed something clear: many see public safety through an infrastructure lens. Public safety isn’t just about policing—it’s about prevention, trust, and livability.
That’s why I’ll champion evidence-based public safety policies, expand partnerships with violence interruption programs, and push for lighting and infrastructure improvements in areas where safety concerns have gone unaddressed for too long. I’ll also collaborate with community organizations to ensure residents have support navigating safety issues and city systems. Wily also I support wage increases for police and fire personnel and recruitment, to many of our public servants are over worked due to the lack of support.
A safer District 3 means a stronger, more united Topeka.