The increased graffiti, often related to gang turf battles, calls for new tactics for clean up, prevention and education. Partnerships For a graffiti eradication program to work, a major partnership has been established between managers of public properties whereby the city removes the graffiti for other public entities and is reimbursed. In the greater Albuquerque area, favorite targets are properties managed by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Metropolitan Flood Authority, the state highway bridges, overpasses and utility poles. Favorite private properties are locations like Rio Grande Boulevard and Candelaria where all four corners of the intersection are often vandalized. Other targets are alleys, bus stops, fences, walls, and curbs.
Favorite targets are the same visual pollution sites that are seen on private properties.
Solutions The best solution, most people agree, is the education of youth grades 1 through 6. They must see that graffiti vandalism is unacceptable, negative behavior and learn communit,v leadership and community responsibility. In addition to these major volunteer activities, many civic and youth groups and neighborhood associations regularly help maintain public properties. All information, images, and materials contained herein are copyright 1998 by the University of New Mexico. Please see our standard disclaimer and copyright information.