Graffiti
Funding Guidelines for the Removal of Illegal Graffiti Adopted
On September 30, 2026, the Jena City Council adopted the guidelines for funding the removal and prevention of illegal graffiti on buildings. It establishes the legal basis for providing financial support to private property owners in the future for the removal of illegal graffiti and the implementation of appropriate preventive measures.
However, whether and when the funding can actually be offered depends on whether the necessary budgetary resources are available. Due to the city of Jena’s current tight budget situation, this remains to be determined.
Therefore, it is not yet possible to submit an application.
As soon as budget funds are available and the funding program can begin, the City of Jena will provide information here regarding the funding opportunities and the specific application process.
Report, inform, act together
Graffiti shapes public spaces—sometimes as artistic expression, sometimes as illegal vandalism that damages facades, public facilities, and the cityscape. This is precisely where the City of Jena is taking action: It aims to effectively curb illegal graffiti, tags, and vandalism, remove damage more quickly and sustainably, and at the same time promote legal forms of urban art.
To this end, the city is pursuing a coordinated approach combining prevention, legal alternatives, cleanup, support for those affected, and consistent action against illegal property damage. On this page, you’ll find background information, contact details, and guidance on the next steps.
“The goal is to process reports in a structured manner, make responsibilities transparent, and, on this basis, develop an ongoing assessment of the situation. At the same time, fresh graffiti as well as content that is criminal, politically motivated, or inflammatory must be given special priority,” explains Mayor and Department Head Benjamin Koppe.
Why is the city taking action?
Illegal graffiti and tags can undermine people’s sense of safety, result in significant cleanup costs, and shape a city’s appearance. At the same time, the issue is complex: it ranges from youthful experimentation to soccer-related motifs to politically motivated content. The city of Jena has therefore developed a strategy that brings together different expert perspectives and combines various measures.
How does Jena go about it?
The City of Jena’s plan encompasses six areas of action:
Prevention
Increased education, programs in youth centers and schools, designated areas for graffiti, and opportunities for dialogue are intended to help prevent illegal graffiti at an early stage.
Street Art
Artistically designed spaces and projects can enhance urban areas and promote legal forms of expression.
Monitoring and Reporting Procedures
Reports should be recorded in a structured manner, responsibilities clearly assigned, and processing steps organized in a transparent way.
Removal
Illegal graffiti should be prioritized and professionally removed. Fresh graffiti or content that is illegal or criminal in nature should be given special priority.
Support for Private Property Owners
A funding approach should be developed for private properties to facilitate the removal of illegal graffiti.
Enforcement
Where prevention fails, the city relies on close cooperation with the police and the judiciary, as well as regulatory measures.
Report Illegal Graffiti
Have you spotted illegal graffiti, tags, or vandalism within the city limits? Please use the city’s issue reporting system. This allows reports to be centrally recorded and forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
Important
Please specify the location as precisely as possible and, if possible, attach a photo. This makes it easier to investigate and address the issue.
Report Graffiti
What is planned for private homeowners?
Private building facades are also repeatedly affected by illegal graffiti. The city’s plan therefore calls for the development of a grant program for private property owners. The goal is to ensure a process that is as pragmatic and unbureaucratic as possible. Among other things, the plan includes grant guidelines, an application form, and clear processing procedures.
As soon as the subsidy program is approved and available, the eligibility requirements, application documents, and contact information will be published on this page.
Legal Areas and Projects
An important part of the concept is to expand legal and low-threshold opportunities. These include designated legal areas, programs at youth centers, graffiti roadshows, competitions, and, in the future, additional “Walls of Fame” in several neighborhoods. The goal is to create spaces for creative expression, especially for young people who want to experiment legally.
Dialogue and Information
The city of Jena intends to address this issue not only through regulatory measures but also through dialogue with the local community. To that end, the plan includes dialogue forums, informational resources, and counseling services. The goal is to explain the background of the issue, support those affected, and bring together different perspectives.
Questions and Answers
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Is graffiti generally prohibited in Jena?
No. The policy distinguishes between illegal graffiti and legal or artistic forms of expression. Graffiti is considered illegal if it results in property damage.
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What is the city doing to combat illegal graffiti?
The city relies on a combined approach consisting of prevention, legal alternatives, cleanup, monitoring, potential support for private property owners, and enforcement measures.
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Can I report graffiti?
Yes, reports should be submitted centrally via the city’s defect reporting system and forwarded accordingly.
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Is there support available for private homeowners?
That is planned. According to the plan, funding guidelines, application procedures, and responsibilities will be developed for this purpose.
Contacts
- Municipal Order Division: Questions Regarding Procedures, Jurisdiction, and Handling Reports
- Public Relations Team / Press Office: Media Inquiries and Communications
- City of Jena Defect Reporting System: Reporting illegal graffiti, tags, and defacement
