San Antonio, TX, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Governor Greg Abbott’s recent directive demands the removal of political ideologies from Texas streets, placing San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalk in jeopardy. The city is exploring options, including seeking an exemption to preserve the iconic LGBTQ+ symbol. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and other officials emphasize the importance of community safety and support amidst potential funding risks. The city has 30 days to respond to the directive or face loss of state and federal transportation funding.
San Antonio —
State directive threatens transportation funding as city reviews options
Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive on October 8, 2025, demanding the removal of political ideologies from Texas streets. Cities that fail to comply with the directive risk losing state and federal transportation funding. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has provided local jurisdictions with 30 days to remove non-compliant markings or face consequences.
City response and immediate actions
San Antonio’s mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, stated that city officials received a briefing about Abbott’s order and are working to understand its implications. There is no immediate plan to remove the rainbow crosswalk located at the intersection of North Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, a focal point of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Mayor Jones emphasized her commitment to balancing transportation needs with the safety and support of the community. Councilwoman Sukh Kaur mentioned the city expects to apply for an exemption as the crosswalk has not caused traffic accidents and has improved security in the area. District 1 Councilwoman Kaur noted that the crosswalk symbolizes inclusivity, and the city is collaborating with attorneys from other municipalities regarding compliance with Abbott’s order.
Local options and community response
Kaur stated that if the exemption is denied, the city may seek alternative ways to honor LGBTQ pride, like painting rainbows on buildings. Local artist Lakey360 expresses his support for the colorful crosswalk by beautifying the area and highlighting community care. A local drag queen, Ira Descent, views the governor’s directive as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the historical significance of the crosswalk in representing the fight for rights.
The directive has drawn criticism as a potential misuse of state authority and as a political stunt amidst various pressing state issues, according to other officials. Abbott’s directive follows urging from former Trump Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for governors to eliminate political messaging from roadways in a national safety initiative.
Funding and origins of the crosswalk
The rainbow crosswalk was installed in 2018, funded partly by over $19,000 raised by Pride San Antonio, with an additional $12,000 from the city. The crosswalk has been cited by local officials and residents as both a community landmark and a measure that has contributed to perceived safety improvements in the area.
What happens next
San Antonio officials are reviewing legal and administrative options, including applying for an exemption from the state directive. City leaders are coordinating with municipal attorneys from other Texas cities to determine a path forward while monitoring the 30-day timeline set by TxDOT for removal of non-compliant markings.
Context
The state directive applies across Texas and is tied to state and federal transportation funding. It reflects a broader push articulated by a former federal transportation official urging governors nationwide to remove political messaging from public roadways as part of a safety initiative. Local leaders and community members in San Antonio are weighing legal, safety and community-relations considerations as they decide how to respond.
Key facts at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Directive date | October 8, 2025 |
| Directive scope | Demanding the removal of political ideologies from Texas streets |
| Funding risk | State and federal transportation funding at risk for non-compliance |
| TxDOT timeline | Provided local jurisdictions with 30 days to remove non-compliant markings or face consequences |
| Crosswalk location | North Main Avenue and Evergreen Street |
| Crosswalk installed | 2018 |
| Funding for crosswalk | Over $19,000 raised by Pride San Antonio; $12,000 from the city |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | The rainbow crosswalk was installed. | Local / Installation completed |
| October 8, 2025 | Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive demanding the removal of political ideologies from Texas streets. | State-level / Governor’s directive |
| October 8, 2025 | The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has provided local jurisdictions with 30 days to remove non-compliant markings or face consequences. | State-level / TxDOT |
Funding visual
Breakdown of funds used to install the rainbow crosswalk (visual representation)
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Governor Greg Abbott issue?
Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive on October 8, 2025, demanding the removal of political ideologies from Texas streets.
What funding consequences are tied to non-compliance?
Cities that fail to comply with the directive risk losing state and federal transportation funding.
What deadline has TxDOT given local jurisdictions?
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has provided local jurisdictions with 30 days to remove non-compliant markings or face consequences.
What did San Antonio city officials say about their immediate plans?
San Antonio’s mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, stated that city officials received a briefing about Abbott’s order and are working to understand its implications.
Is the rainbow crosswalk being removed immediately?
There is no immediate plan to remove the rainbow crosswalk located at the intersection of North Main Avenue and Evergreen Street, a focal point of San Antonio’s LGBTQ+ nightlife.
How was the crosswalk funded?
The rainbow crosswalk was installed in 2018, funded partly by over $19,000 raised by Pride San Antonio, with an additional $12,000 from the city.
What are local officials considering if an exemption is denied?
Kaur stated that if the exemption is denied, the city may seek alternative ways to honor LGBTQ pride, like painting rainbows on buildings.
What national context is related to the directive?
Abbott’s directive follows urging from former Trump Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for governors to eliminate political messaging from roadways in a national safety initiative.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Rainbow Crosswalks Remain Amid State Directive
Governor Abbott Threatens Funding Over Political Ideologies on Texas Roads
Governor Greg Abbott Targets Rainbow Crosswalks in San Antonio
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum News: San Antonio to Keep Rainbow Crosswalks for Now
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rainbow Flag
- KSAT: San Antonio’s Pride District Defends Rainbow Crosswalks Amid State Directive to Remove Political Symbols
- Google Search: Texas Rainbow Crosswalk News
- Express News: San Antonio’s Rainbow Crosswalk Controversy
- Google Scholar: Impact of Political Symbols on Public Spaces
- KWTX: Pride San Antonio’s Rainbow Crosswalk Faces Threat from Governor’s Directive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Political Symbols
- San Antonio Current: San Antonio Likely to Seek Exemption from Governor’s Order on Rainbow Crosswalks
- Google News: Abbott Directive on Political Symbols Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
