The City of Hayward was recently profiled as part of the ongoing “Strong Cities, Strong State” campaign highlighting local government success stories across California. Hayward’s profile features five success stories: Hayward’s Neighborhood Partnership and Mural Art programs, the police department’s SMASH program, the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, and library services.

Launched in 2009, Hayward’s public mural art program is a proactive approach to help eliminate graffiti through the city while utilizing and promoting local Hayward artists. What started as an anti-graffiti program for public and private properties has resulted in beautiful works of art, a reduction in graffiti, and cost savings for property owners and the City.

“The project has about eight artists who have participated, and there will be a total of twenty murals by the end of this year,” said Stacey Bristow, Neighborhood Partnership Manager for the City of Hayward.

Bristow points out that there is no cost for the murals because the artists volunteer their time and are assisted by student volunteers from local schools.
“The feedback has been very positive – people are feeling the pride and ownership,” adds Bristow.

A tour of mural projects is on the Mural Art Program section of the City’s website. Hayward´s Strong Cities profile is accessible at: www.strongcitiesstrongstate.com/city/hayward.