Walla Walla to consider new ordinance in wake of chalk messages

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council meets tonight (Wednesday) at 6:30 p.m. and will consider adding a new ordinance about cleaning up downtown chalk messages.

If approved, the ordinance requires those creating chalk messages, symbols, and images to clean up by sundown on the same day. If made after sundown, they must be removed by the next sundown.

Fines up to $500 may apply for non-compliance. City staff said costs associated with enforcement are unknown and cannot be estimated.

While courts affirm people have the right to express themselves using chalk messages, the proposed ordinance requires cleanup without restricting content of chalk messages.

City Attorney Tim Donaldson states in the summary of the proposed ordinance that the messages, symbols and images are unwanted by the property and business owners at the locations where they are made. Since 2022, the city has spent more than $37,000 removing chalk markings left on downtown sidewalks, and non-profits, building owners, and business owners have expended their own time and money cleaning up chalk messages, symbols, and images.

Donaldson adds that chalkers have harassed and attempted to intimidate citizens when they undertake removal of chalk messages, symbols, and images from areas near the citizens’ buildings and businesses. Confrontations have occurred which threaten public health, safety and welfare.

The Walla Walla City Council believes an ordinance is necessary for those who write, draw, or mark on public areas to clean up. If approved, this ordinance will aid downtown revitalization, support the economy, and enhance the visual character and aesthetics of downtown Walla Walla.

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