Austin, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Austin has introduced a new program to offer free graffiti removal services for private property owners. Beginning October 1, residents can request removal through the city’s 311 service. Funded by a $567,775 budget from the Clean Community Fee, the initiative will deploy specialized crews to respond within 48 to 72 hours for reported graffiti. The program is designed to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal while respecting owners’ wishes regarding murals. The pilot program aims to address graffiti concerns efficiently, serving as a community resource for property upkeep.
Austin has launched a new initiative aimed at improving the city’s aesthetics by providing free graffiti removal services. Starting October 1, property owners can contact the city’s 311 service to request graffiti removal from private properties at no cost. This pilot program, approved by the Austin City Council, is set to run for one year and is designed to address graffiti concerns more efficiently.
The City Council allocated a budget of $567,775 for the pilot program, which will be funded through the Clean Community Fee. This fee, which amounts to $5.45 added to every electric bill in Austin, previously funded various community services like street sweeping and dead animal collection.
Previously, property owners were fully responsible for removing graffiti from their properties, often incurring significant expenses. The new program seeks to alleviate this burden by serving as a community resource for graffiti abatement. When a complaint is lodged, a specialized graffiti removal crew is expected to respond within 48 to 72 hours to address the problem.
Importantly, the program will respect property owners’ wishes regarding existing artwork or murals. The graffiti removal crews will not proceed with the cleanup if owners intend to keep specific pieces on their buildings. However, for spots deemed to require removal, initiative and timeliness from property owners are encouraged. Should property owners opt out of the free service, they may receive a violation notice mandating that they remove the graffiti within 15 days. If they fail to comply, the city will arrange for the removal at the owners’ expense.
Addressing Community Concerns
The decision to initiate the free graffiti removal program reflects growing concerns regarding the prevalence of graffiti on private properties throughout Austin, which has led to significant cleanup costs across various city departments. Council member Marc Duchen underscored the need for a centralized approach to graffiti abatement, which is central to the city’s strategy for maintaining its visual appeal.
Mayor Kirk Watson also highlighted the program’s significance, insisting that preserving the city’s beauty is crucial for residents and visitors alike. By implementing this one-year pilot program, the city aims not only to clean up existing graffiti but also to gather data throughout the year to assess the effectiveness of the initiative and determine whether ongoing graffiti removal efforts are warranted.
Maintaining City-Owned Properties
While the new program focuses on private properties, the maintenance of graffiti on city-owned properties will continue to be handled by the respective city departments. The city is committed to addressing the rising concerns regarding graffiti across all types of properties, aiming for a cleaner, more visually appealing Austin.
This initiative marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to graffiti concerns, moving towards a proactive and community-focused solution. By offering these services free of charge, Austin aims to encourage property owners to engage in the upkeep of their buildings, contributing to the overall cleanliness and pride in the city.
Key Features of the Program
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Start Date | October 1 |
| Funding | $567,775 allocated from Clean Community Fee |
| Response Time | 48 to 72 hours after complaint |
| Artwork Policy | No removal of desired murals |
| Penalty for Non-Compliance | 15 days to remove or city removal at owner’s expense |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the graffiti removal program?
The program aims to provide property owners in Austin with a free service to remove graffiti from their properties, thereby enhancing the visual appeal of the city.
When does the program start?
The graffiti removal program will begin on October 1.
How can property owners access this service?
Property owners can call 311 to report graffiti on their properties and request removal services.
What is the budget for the pilot program?
The total budget allocated for this one-year pilot program is $567,775.
Will the program remove artwork or murals?
No, the program will not remove any artwork or murals that property owners wish to keep.
What happens if property owners do not want to use the service?
If they decline the service, they may receive a violation notice requiring them to remove the graffiti within 15 days, or it will be removed by city contractors at their expense.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS Austin: Free Graffiti Removal
- Wikipedia: Graffiti
- KVUE: Austin Graffiti Program
- Google Search: Austin graffiti removal
- Austin Monitor: Anti-Graffiti Department
- Google Scholar: Austin graffiti removal
- KXAN: Austin Graffiti Clean-up Costs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Graffiti
- CBS Austin: National News Desk
- Google News: Austin graffiti
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
