Portland Council approves $1.5 million for graffiti removal contracts

The Portland City Council's Budget Committee meeting on May 14, 2025, focused heavily on the allocation of funds for graffiti removal, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for increased financial support.

During the session, council members discussed a proposed increase of $1.5 million for graffiti removal, which is intended to address the city's current service levels and ongoing needs. Currently, the city allocates approximately $800,000 for graffiti removal, primarily for staffing, with only a modest portion available for contracts with external cleanup services. However, the actual expenditure for graffiti removal contracts has been around $1.5 million annually, indicating a significant gap between budgeted funds and actual needs.

Council members expressed concern that without the additional funding, service levels for graffiti removal would decline significantly. The proposed funds would not only maintain current service levels but also allow for a slight increase in capacity. The discussion emphasized that the funding is a temporary solution, as the city has relied on one-time allocations for several years.

City officials noted that the ongoing need for graffiti removal is estimated at around $1.2 million annually, suggesting that the current funding model is unsustainable in the long term. The council aims to address the graffiti issue more effectively while hoping that future needs may decrease as other livability initiatives are implemented.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving public spaces and maintaining community standards, while also acknowledging the financial constraints that have led to a reliance on temporary funding solutions. The council's decision on the proposed budget increase will be crucial in determining the city's ability to manage graffiti removal effectively in the coming year.