San Antonio, TX, October 21, 2025
News Summary
The Rainbow Crosswalk in San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District is at risk of removal following a state directive from Governor Greg Abbott. The TXDOT has mandated compliance, threatening to withdraw funding from cities that do not eliminate political ideologies from public streets. Both the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and the City are advocating to save the crosswalk, citing safety data indicating traffic incidents have decreased since its installation. A campaign and legal options are being explored to preserve this symbol of hope for the LGBTQ+ community.
San Antonio
San Antonio’s rainbow crosswalk in the Pride Cultural Heritage District faces possible removal after a state directive from the governor and a TXDOT enforcement order that threatens to withhold funding and agreements from non-compliant cities. The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and the City of San Antonio are planning a campaign to save the Rainbow Crosswalk, while city officials say they are evaluating legal options and awaiting further guidance from state transportation authorities.
What is driving the potential removal
Governor Greg Abbott has directed TXDOT to withhold funding from cities that do not remove political ideologies from public streets. In response, TXDOT’s executive director has mandated compliance, threatening to suspend funding and agreements with non-compliant cities. The directive has prompted cities across Texas to review and, in some cases, remove painted crosswalks and other roadway markings deemed political.
Local response and planned actions
The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and the City of San Antonio are planning a campaign to save the Rainbow Crosswalk. City leaders say they are exploring an exemption that City Attorney Elizabeth Provencio says may allow the crosswalk to remain, supported by safety data analyzed by city staff. City Attorney Elizabeth Provencio states there may be an exemption allowing the crosswalk to remain, supported by data indicating a reduction in traffic incidents since its installation. Pride organizers and board members are urging residents to contact council members and participate in the public process.
Safety data cited by supporters
The city and community supporters cite traffic data as part of their case. Prior to the crosswalk, there were two traffic incidents over three years; since installation, there have only been two instances over eight years. City officials interpret those figures as a reduction in incident frequency and a reason to allow an exemption for the crosswalk on public roadway markings.
Political and legal context
Advocates characterize the removal effort as politically motivated and an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility. Pride San Antonio members claim the crosswalk’s removal is politically motivated, aimed at erasing the presence of the LGBTQ+ community. At the same time, state officials frame the move as an effort to remove political messaging from public roadways. Several Texas cities have already complied with the directive, while others continue to review legal options.
Where other cities stand
Cities like Houston, Galveston, and Austin have already complied with the governor’s orders, while Dallas is still reviewing them. San Antonio leaders have described their approach as cautious and deliberate while they assess legal avenues and any available exemptions that prioritize both safety and local expression.
City Council and community hearing
The matter was discussed at a recent City Council meeting and produced a range of responses from board members and council representatives. The discussion regarding the crosswalk was brought up at a recent City Council meeting. At that meeting, Maria Salazar emphasized the importance of community visibility and identity during the meeting and Salazar believes pursuing the exemption is necessary, despite skepticism about its success. A previously drafted measure supporting the crosswalk is awaiting consideration by the Council.
Pending city resolution and next steps
A resolution had been drafted prior to the governor’s order to support the rainbow crosswalk as part of the city’s cultural corridors. That draft references other actions elsewhere, noting that the drafted resolution references Florida’s removal of a similar crosswalk honoring the Pulse Nightclub victims as diminishing to LGBTQIA+ dignity. There is uncertainty about when the resolution will be considered by the City Council. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has said the city is awaiting more information from state transportation officials before taking formal action, and the mayor has framed the crosswalk as one of several ways the city promotes Pride even if the painted crosswalk is removed; Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones stated the city is awaiting further information from TxDOT before taking action.
Practical considerations and alternatives
Officials and advocates are also discussing alternatives to a painted crosswalk to preserve visibility for the Pride Cultural Heritage District if the state requires removal. These include signage, programming, banners, and cultural markers that do not involve painted roadway markings. Council members noted earlier assumptions about state authority over city roadways and continue to seek legal clarification on whether TXDOT could paint or require repainting of crosswalks on city streets.
Councilwoman Sukh Kaur mentioned that it was assumed TXDOT could not paint over a crosswalk on city roadways. City leaders say they will weigh legal advice, community input, and safety data as they determine next steps.
FAQ
What directive did the governor issue?
Governor Greg Abbott has directed TXDOT to withhold funding from cities that do not remove political ideologies from public streets.
What is the role of TXDOT in this case?
TXDOT’s executive director has mandated compliance, threatening to suspend funding and agreements with non-compliant cities.
How has the Rainbow Crosswalk served the community?
The Rainbow Crosswalk has served as a symbol of hope in San Antonio’s Pride Cultural Heritage District since its installation in 2018.
What safety data is cited about the crosswalk?
Prior to the crosswalk, there were two traffic incidents over three years; since installation, there have only been two instances over eight years.
What local action is being taken to save the crosswalk?
The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and the City of San Antonio are planning a campaign to save the Rainbow Crosswalk.
Which cities have complied with the governor’s orders?
Cities like Houston, Galveston, and Austin have already complied with the governor’s orders, while Dallas is still reviewing them.
What has the mayor said about next steps?
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones stated the city is awaiting further information from TxDOT before taking action.
Was there a drafted resolution supporting the crosswalk?
A resolution had been drafted prior to the governor’s order to support the rainbow crosswalk as part of the city’s cultural corridors.
What do local advocates think about pursuing an exemption?
Salazar believes pursuing the exemption is necessary, despite skepticism about its success.
What did the city attorney say about exemptions?
City Attorney Elizabeth Provencio states there may be an exemption allowing the crosswalk to remain, supported by data indicating a reduction in traffic incidents since its installation.
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio Pride Cultural Heritage District |
| Installed | 2018 |
| Community role | Served as a symbol of hope |
| Safety data cited | Prior to the crosswalk, there were two traffic incidents over three years; since installation, there have only been two instances over eight years. |
| State action | Governor Greg Abbott has directed TXDOT to withhold funding from cities that do not remove political ideologies from public streets. |
| TXDOT enforcement | TXDOT’s executive director has mandated compliance, threatening to suspend funding and agreements with non-compliant cities. |
| Local response | The LGBTQ+ Advisory Board and the City of San Antonio are planning a campaign to save the Rainbow Crosswalk. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Rainbow Crosswalk installed in the Pride Cultural Heritage District | In place; served as a symbol of hope |
| Prior to installation | Two traffic incidents over three years | Safety records cited by city |
| Since installation | Two instances over eight years | Safety records cited by city |
| Not specified | Governor directed TXDOT to withhold funding from non-compliant cities | State directive in effect; TXDOT compliance mandated |
| Recent / ongoing | City and LGBTQ+ Advisory Board planning a campaign and exploring an exemption | Under consideration by City Council and legal staff |
Traffic incident comparison
Visual comparison based on the periods cited by city data.
Note: Bar widths reflect relative incident frequency per year for each period as described in the city data cited above.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Governor Deploys Troops to Austin Ahead of No Kings Protest
Tragic Loss of Student in San Antonio Traffic Accident
Mayor Advocates for Safer Streets After Local Student’s Death
San Antonio Faces Transportation Funding Threat over Crosswalk
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
San Antonio Establishes Pride Cultural Heritage District
San Antonio Pauses Controversial Spray-On Street Repair Pilot
SUV Stuck in Road Buckle Caused by Water Main Break in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: LGBT_symbol
- San Antonio Express News
- Google Search: San Antonio Rainbow Crosswalk Governor Directive
- KENS5
- Google Scholar: Rainbow Crosswalks Policy Impact
- Spectrum Local News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Political Symbols on Public Roads
- San Antonio Current
- Google News: San Antonio Pride Crosswalk
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.
