Title
A MOTION requesting the King County executive to develop a graffiti removal initiative for unincorporated King County.
Body
WHEREAS, graffiti, which is unauthorized writing or drawing on a public surface, is classified in RCW 9A.48.090 as a gross misdemeanor as malicious mischief in the third degree, and
WHEREAS, communities in the Puget Sound region and around the country have found that the presence of graffiti can be a visual symbol of disorder that can contribute to blight and decay, signal an increase in crime, lower property values and generate neighborhood fear, and
WHEREAS, many local jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, the cities of Seattle, Bellevue, Burien, Covington, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Newcastle, Renton, SeaTac, Shoreline and Tacoma, have developed graffiti prevention, response or removal programs to assist property owners in reporting graffiti and to offer assistance or set requirements for the removal of graffiti, and
WHEREAS, King County has implemented partnerships with community-based organizations to provide jobs removing graffiti for people experiencing homelessness; and
WHEREAS, residents and businesses in unincorporated King County do not have a comprehensive, public facing program to report graffiti or receive assistance or guidance in removing graffiti, and
WHEREAS, communities in the Puget Sound region have experienced an increase in graffiti during the last several years, and
WHEREAS, providing support for residents and businesses in unincorporated King County to report and remove graffiti will promote safety and vitality in these communities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED by the Council of King County:
A. The council requests that the executive work with the King County sheriff's office and the department of local services to develop a graffiti removal initiative that should include, but not be limited to:
1. A method to report graffiti that should offer the option of reporting by phone, internet or mobile application;
2. Graffiti removal services coordinated by the department of local services, achieved, if possible, by employing people experiencing homelessness;
3. Graffiti removal kits with paint and rollers to be provided to property owners that are willing and able to remove graffiti on their own;
4. Mural development, coordinated by the department of local services with community-based organizations, to provide cover for high-impact locations; and
5. Information and best practices for residents and businesses in unincorporated King County on gang activity reporting, coordinated by the King County sheriff's office.
B. The executive should electronically file a plan and proposed budget to implement the graffiti removal initiative no later than March 31, 2023, with the clerk of the council, who shall retain the original and provide an electronic copy to all councilmembers, the council chief of staff, the chief policy officer and the lead staff for the local services and land use committee, or its successor.