City Reports Significant Drop in Private Graffiti Requests Amid Opt-in Abatement Program

San Francisco's ongoing battle against graffiti has seen significant developments, as city officials reported a notable shift in service order volumes during a recent government meeting. The city has experienced an increase in requests for graffiti removal, particularly in public spaces, with approximately 4,700 service requests logged in June alone, largely attributed to recent protests.

The meeting highlighted a 22% decrease in private graffiti service requests compared to the previous fiscal year, a trend credited to the city's proactive Graffiti Opt-In Program. This initiative, which began ramping up in November 2022, focuses on the abatement of graffiti in major commercial corridors, resulting in over 9,300 successful removals to date.

Officials noted that the rise in public graffiti requests correlates with heightened civil activity, while the decline in private graffiti requests reflects the effectiveness of the opt-in program. The city is also addressing issues of duplicate service orders to streamline response efforts, particularly for frequent callers.

As the city continues to tackle graffiti, the implementation of dedicated street inspection staff and renewed focus on closing service orders are expected to enhance response rates and improve overall community aesthetics. The ongoing efforts underscore San Francisco's commitment to maintaining clean public spaces and supporting local businesses through effective graffiti management strategies.