Graffiti in Downtown and River Market? No Problem

By Sean O’Byrne, Vice President, Downtown Council; Executive Director, Community Improvement Districts

Downtown Kansas City and the River Market have seen unparalleled growth since the Community Improvement Districts (CID’s) rolled out in 2003. Since that time over $10 billion in reinvestment has occurred and the population has grown to over 35,000 residents. But with that growth, comes challenges. Increased demand on cleanliness, safety and graffiti removal.

Graffiti has been around since the dawn of time. It is an avenue for one to express themselves. But if it isn’t warranted, commissioned or requested… it has to come down. In the Downtown and River Market, graffiti continues to be a concern of our residents, tenants and visitors alike.

Luckily, the CID’s have Shelia Tatum to lead up our graffiti removal initiative. Shelia has been with the CID’s since 2008 and has excelled in every position she has held. In 2021, Shelia took the reins of graffiti removal and perfected it into an art of her own.

Recently, Brandon Bauer, a property owner 7th and Walnut had his property vandalized by an almost block-long graffiti tag on the back of his building facing Grand Boulevard. He contacted the CID and Shelia was undeterred by the challenge and went to work.

The end result was impressive. Owner Brandon Bauer stated, “The CID’s are amazing! They are responsive and get the job done. Just look at these results! Every individual we’ve worked with has been a pleasure to know. They are all professional and work with you to find solutions. They are what you wish most organizations would be like. We are truly thankful to have them.”

Together, the Downtown Community Improvement District and the River Market Community Improvement District are changing the dynamic In our urban core. Their efforts are setting the stage for a cleaner, safer and more economically stable environment.