Council raises maximum fines for graffiti, citing property damage and business complaints

The New Orleans City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Thursday to raise the city’s maximum penalty for graffiti-related vandalism, citing growing business and neighborhood concerns about repeated tagging.

Councilmember Eugene Green, who introduced the measure, said graffiti should be treated as criminal damage to property, not protected expression when placed on others’ buildings without permission. "If you write on somebody else's building without their permission, you have committed vandalism. That is not art," Green said during floor remarks.

Council discussion emphasized frequent, repeat tagging of businesses and public facilities and the financial burden of cleanup for property owners. Lee LaFleur, owner of Mike’s Hardware on Elysian Fields, told the council his store has donated paint and supplies to help cover tags on nearby properties and said the problem has increased in recent months. "It's definitely a problem in our city," LaFleur said during public remarks, adding his store has helped local businesses by donating cleanup materials.

Councilmembers noted the ordinance couples increased penalties with outreach and support for legal public-art outlets. Green highlighted local mural programs, mentorship and youth art opportunities as lawful alternatives for public expression.

The vote was recorded as unanimously in favor (six yeas, no nays). Council members said additional enforcement steps and community partnerships — including help from local businesses offering paint and materials — will accompany the change.

Ending: Council members asked that the administration, law enforcement and community organizations coordinate follow-up steps to increase cleanup assistance, share surveillance information and promote sanctioned mural programs.