Mayor Chris Beutler announced Thursday that 94 percent of the graffiti cases reported over the last 14 months have been cleared. The City changed its approach to graffiti with the hiring of a Graffiti Prevention Coordinator in June 2009. Since then, 1,159 of the reported 1,232 cases have been cleared.

“Much of the credit for the success of this program goes to the people of Lincoln,” Mayor Beutler said. “More residents are reporting graffiti and property owners are removing graffiti sooner. Our efforts are even more of a success when you consider the tremendous cost savings. Our new program operates on just 6 percent of the previously estimated cost.”

The City’s graffiti ordinance passed in 2006 requires property owners to remove graffiti within 15 days of City notification. If that deadline is not met, the City can remove the graffiti at the property owner’s expense. Those who don’t reimburse the City face a lien on their property, but the owner does not have to clear the debt until the property sells. The cost of funding City graffiti removal was estimated at $408,000 a year.

Under the new process, the City sends a letter and postage- paid reply card to graffiti victims explaining the negative impact of graffiti, encouraging quick removal and offering volunteer assistance. The program is budgeted for $25,000 a year.

William Carver, the Graffiti Coordinator with Keep Lincoln and Lancaster County Beautiful, said the number of cases reported in the last seven months of the program is up 17 percent compared to the first seven months. The Lincoln Police Department reports that 23 people – five adults and 18 juveniles – have been arrested for 69 cases of graffiti vandalism so far this year. The case of one of those convicted was routed through Lancaster County Court where more severe penalties are allowed under a new State law.

Release Information Courtesy: Mayor Chris Beutler's Office