Austin's identity as a creative, people-centered city is under direct threat — and Mayor Kirk Watson is already looking for ways to protect it. After Governor Greg Abbott signed an executive order effectively prohibiting painted crosswalks and street murals on state-maintained roadways, City Hall is scrambling to find legal pathways that keep Austin's colorful public spaces intact.
The governor's order takes aim at the kind of community-driven street art that has become a signature of Austin neighborhoods — rainbow crosswalks celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, culturally vibrant murals marking local identity, and pedestrian-safety enhancements that make streets more welcoming for people on foot. Critics argue the order is less about traffic safety and more about a political crackdown on progressive city expression.
Mayor Watson has signaled he won't simply accept the directive at face value. His office is exploring alternative approaches — potentially including rerouting projects to city-maintained streets, pursuing different permitting structures, or challenging the order's scope through legal channels. The details are still developing, but the intent is clear: Austin does not intend to let its streets go gray without a fight.
Who's affected: Local artists, neighborhood associations, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and pedestrian safety advocates all have a stake in this fight. Many of these crosswalks were funded through community efforts and represent years of organizing work.
What you can do right now:
Austin has always pushed back when outside forces try to dictate who we are. This moment calls for the same civic energy. Stay engaged — and show up.