Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has put forward a new measure aimed at curbing the city's graffiti issue. With the support of the Seattle City Council (SCC) President Sara Nelson and Councilmember Bob Kettle, the proposed Illegal Graffiti Restitution ordinance (Council Bill 120995) would impose a $1,000 civil fine for each instance of illegal graffiti. The city, grappling with a surge in vandalism, is considering this as an additional tactic to existing criminal laws.
As reported on Seattle's official news portal, there were 28,816 reported cases of graffiti vandalism in 2024 alone, leading to hefty financial burdens for small businesses and property owners. The city also allocates around $6 million annually towards graffiti cleanup efforts.
City Attorney Davison, aiming to dissuade the perpetrators, said, "In many areas, graffiti contributes to an appearance of neglect and abandonment. My proposal will supplement criminal law to discourage graffiti." Recognizing the financial toll it takes, her plan allows the city to use civil litigation as a weapon against the taggers, seeking financial redress for the damage caused.
This proposed ordinance includes provisions that would: not only require restitution from perpetrators for the city's labor and material costs but would also allow taggers to opt for community service in lieu of monetary damages. This, at the discretion of the City Attorney's Office, would serve as an alternative method of atonement for their actions.
During the Public Safety Committee hearing, Davison expressed her support for the new approach to graffiti abatement. The committee is scheduled to revisit the proposed legislation at their July 8, 2025 hearing. If approved there, the ordinance will be moved to the full Council for a final decision.
