Recommendation 20251020-009: Crosswalk Response — original pdf

Recommendation

. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: 20251020-009: Crosswalk Response WHEREAS, decorative and colored pedestrian crosswalks — including rainbow-themed crosswalks — have been documented to improve pedestrian safety outcomes in some jurisdictions: for example, a study of 17 intersections (including 7 in Florida) found a reduction in crash rates after installation of street-art crossings. WHEREAS, removal of rainbow crosswalks sends a signal of reduced support and visibility for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors, which will undermine the City’s stated equity, inclusion, and belonging goals. Photographic and journalistic commentary note that rainbow crosswalks “provide a sense of safety and belonging for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a visible reminder that they are valued members of society.” WHEREAS, consideration of removal has already eroded community trust and removing rainbow crosswalks will generate adverse community reaction and further undermine trust between the City and segments of the public who view such crosswalks as an important form of public expression and inclusive design. WHEREAS, state level direction for removal is clear politicization and intentional attack on the LGBTQ+ community due to backlash from the repainting of the Houston-based Montrose Neighborhood rainbow crosswalks. WHEREAS, the City of Austin has a strong interest in supporting safe, walkable, and inclusive streetscapes; retaining rainbow crosswalks aligns with these objectives by combining pedestrian infrastructure with inclusive urban design. WHEREAS, there is no conclusive evidence that rainbow crosswalks degrade safety compared to standard crosswalks; in fact, some research indicates the opposite (reduced crash rates) — thus removal on the basis of safety concerns alone may not be justified without more context-specific study. WHEREAS, the cost of repainting or maintaining decorative crosswalks is typically modest compared to the broader investment in pedestrian infrastructure, and removal will eliminate an asset that supports civic branding, tourism appeal, and community morale. WHEREAS, the “TEXAS” mural on the drag in addition to other painted crosswalks should also be considered for removal if there is a genuine and research-based safety concern due to their presence. . WHEREAS, the removal of rainbow crosswalks and “Black Artists Matter” street paint go against numerous City approved documents including Imagine Austin, The Austin City Charter, Downtown Austin Plan, and Cultural District Framework Plan. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission recommend the City Council exhaust every possible action to avoid removing crosswalks including but not limited to applying for exemptions and exploring requesting a court-issued Temporary Restraining Order as a rejection of state-level interference; and, not advance any further action on removal without first engaging in more conversation with community leaders, and with a commitment for ongoing work to prioritize transparency regarding communications and planned courses of actions. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission recommend any future plans for commemorating the LGBTQ+ community at the intersection of 4th and Colorado, or otherwise, including new public art be reviewed by the LGBTQ+ Commission; and work towards the advancement, expansion, and protection of inclusive public symbols in Austin, including LGBTQ+, Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission recommends that City Council pledges to identify, fund, and implement alternative displays of community symbols, including but not limited to flying the rainbow flag on City facilities and over roads, painting light posts or breaker boxes, and installing banners, to replace the loss of the rainbow crosswalk or other symbolic crosswalks. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission recommend considering additional representatives from the LGBTQ+ and African American QOL Commissions for a potential Task Force due to the impact specifically to those communities. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission recommends that the mayor’s office better communicate and collaborate with the commission and community leaders prior to communicating planned policy action with substantial impact for our communities in the future, including a meeting within the next 30 days between the Commission Chair and Mayor’s office setting up recurring communication pathways. Date of Approval: October 20, 2025 Motioned By: Chair Coyne Seconded By: Commissioner Neal Vote: 9-0 For: Chair Coyne, Commissioners Bandit, Benson, Brown, Davis, Fierro-Pérez, Knutson, Neal, Rivas Against: None Abstain: None Off the dais: None Absent: Vice Chair McLeod, Commissioners Krueger, Treviño . Attest: _____________________________________________ (LGBTQ QoL Advisory Commission Staff Liaison)