In a recent City Council Work Session held on September 15, 2025, the Wilsonville City Council addressed the ongoing issue of graffiti on both public and private properties. The discussions highlighted the effectiveness of the current graffiti removal process managed by the Public Works Department, which typically resolves incidents within 24 to 48 hours. However, the council recognized a gap in support for private property owners facing vandalism.

The existing code allows for abatement of graffiti on private properties, but it lacks dedicated resources for property owners unable to manage the cleanup themselves. As a result, the council is exploring potential programs to assist these individuals, including a graffiti rewards program for reporting incidents. However, research revealed a lack of successful local or state models for such initiatives, raising questions about their effectiveness.

Council members discussed various existing city programs that could serve as models for graffiti abatement, such as the sidewalk repair subsidy and tree replacement program. These programs offer financial assistance to property owners for repairs and could be adapted to support graffiti removal efforts. Suggestions included a cost-sharing model where the city subsidizes a portion of the removal costs, as well as providing a list of recommended graffiti removal products on the city’s website.

Additionally, the council considered the implementation of a graffiti removal supply kit, similar to programs in neighboring cities like Tualatin and Portland. This kit would be loaned to property owners and volunteer groups, providing essential supplies for graffiti cleanup at minimal cost.

The council also discussed leveraging existing volunteer programs, such as the Adopt-a-Road initiative, to engage community members in graffiti removal efforts. This could involve high school students seeking community service opportunities, fostering a sense of civic responsibility while addressing the graffiti issue.

While the council acknowledged the challenges of tracking graffiti origins and the potential for repeat offenders, they emphasized the importance of timely removal to prevent further vandalism. The discussions concluded with a commitment to further explore these initiatives and their funding implications, with the aim of presenting a draft code amendment and potential pilot programs by early 2026.

The meeting underscored the city’s proactive approach to managing graffiti and the need for community involvement in maintaining the aesthetic integrity of Wilsonville. As the council moves forward, the focus will remain on developing effective strategies that support both public and private property owners in combating vandalism.