Mural crackdown could have spelled trouble for these 30 murals

Murals are important in Detroit. They adorn decaying building, memorialize loved ones and spread messages of hope.

So when we reported earlier this week that the city of Detroit was fining building owners for having murals, residents were outraged. Mayor Mike Duggan quickly apologized and blamed the crackdown on overzealous inspectors.

He said his administration will continue to target graffiti but won’t prohibit murals that were painted with permission from owners.

All photos by Steve Neavling.

Steve Neavling

Steve Neavling lives and works in Detroit as an investigative journalist. His stories have uncovered corruption, led to arrests and reforms and prompted FBI investigations.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•