Photo is a little too indistinct even with enarging but I'd guess Rudbeckia laciniata. But even without any ID confirmation, you can cut the plant back hard now if you like.

Yes agree they look like Rudbeckia laciniata possibly R. l. 'Hortensia'.

Looks like they have made over-wintering basal foliage, as though saying "It's time to clear away the flowering stems".

I was kinda thinking of Jerusalem Artichokes... if the flower is daily-like. You might dig in the ground a bit to see if there are tubers.

The lobed leaves do not resemble Jerusalem Artichoke leaves. Nor does JA form overwintering basal foliage. They disappear altogether.

" Looks like they have made over-wintering basal foliage, as though saying "It's time to clear away the flowering stems". "

At this time of year Rudbeckia Laciniata should look all lush, green, and yellow (flowers). It looks like plants are drying up much too early also in the OP's (warming up) climate.

Plants are definitely not created by Nature to have their blossoms "cleared away" as soon as they start flowering.

"At this time of year Rudbeckia Laciniata should look all lush, green, and yellow (flowers)."

That depends entirely on where it has been growing and what the weather and watering has been like. It is not at all uncommon for a plant that has been exposed to excessive heat and dry conditions to attempt or try to go dormant early.

Exactly. It happens in excessive heat and drought.

The basal foliage looks fine. And we can't tell from the photo provided what the discoloration of the flowering stems is due to. Unless there is a familiar condition often seen on this plant that turns the leaves on these upper stems this same tan shade. Without marring the new basal foliage noticeably. Since powdery mildew and rust are listed as affecting rudbeckias maybe it is something like that.