The City of Yakima developed “Clean City” as a program in which to address the chronic blight plaguing the City of Yakima.  Under the directive of Public Works, a coordinated effort to execute a successful program is required utilizing Public Works, Codes, Yakima Police Department and Sunrise Outreach.

Attached for City Council review is the 2021 4th Quarter Report.  Below is a summary of the accomplishments and cost over the 4th quarter period.

2021 4th Quarter (October – December) Highlights: 

• Graffiti incidents                                  734
• Shopping Carts Removed          562
• Homeless Encampments Cleaned     74
• Garbage Removed (Tons)                  32.91
• Homeless Individuals Contacted        1,743
• Illegal Dumps Cleaned                       369
• Abandoned/Junk Vehicles                  10

• Dangerous Buildings                           6
  

  Cost = $83,078.22

Also attached is a 2021 Annual Report outlining the activities and expenditures associated with Clean City over the course of an entire year.  Below is a summary of the program for 2021:

2021 Annual Report Highlights:

• Graffiti incidents          3,321                           

• Shopping Carts Removed                  1,869               

• Homeless Encampments Cleaned     352

• Garbage Removed (Tons)                  183.33

• Homeless Individuals Contacted        9,121

• Illegal Dumps Cleaned                       1,264

• Abandoned/Junk Vehicles                  152

• Dangerous Buildings                           22

Cost = $332,585.28

Incidents of graffiti was sharply reduced in 2021 by 52.3% in comparison to 2020.  This is directly attributed to the efforts of community members, residents and staff placing an emphasis on the rapid removal of the graffiti.  However, in comparison from 2020 to 2021, the tonnage of garbage collected and removed from the City’s right-of-way increased significantly from 93.6 tons to 183.33 tons.  An increase of 96.5%.