Various buildings covered in graffiti in the International District of Seattle’s Chinatown. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell on Oct. 27 announced the details of one of his Seattle graffiti plans to beautify Seattle and address the proliferation of graffiti.
“Hashtags and graffiti not only diminish the vitality of our city, but have a real impact on the communities targeted by hate speech, small business owners whose stores are defaced, and residents who rely on city signage for information and guidance,” Harrell said in a press release. . “Graffiti incidents have increased dramatically throughout the pandemic, and progress requires a Seattle approach in which we work together to advance proven solutions, reduce silos, and leverage our greatest resources – our community.”
Various buildings covered in graffiti in the International District of Seattle’s Chinatown. (Photo by Assunta Ng)
The plan includes increased staffing and resources for Seattle Utilities’ (SPU) graffiti patrollers, enabling them to easily remove graffiti using specialized equipment and effectively prevent re-marking.
In addition, new resources will be provided to victims of vandalism, and existing resources will be made more accessible and fairer. SPU’s Graffiti Rangers will also offer low-cost or no-cost urban abatement services to eligible homeowners.
New York City will work with artists, businesses, volunteers and others to create avenues for murals and artistic expression.
Working with the City Attorney’s Office and Seattle Police, the program will also strengthen enforcement of graffiti crimes.
Graffiti incidents reported by the public have increased by more than 50% since 2019, with nearly 20,000 graffiti and marking reports in 2021.
