AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is proposing alternative ways to showcase the city’s diversity after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the removal of “any and all political ideologies” from Texas streets.

In a message posted Saturday to the Austin City Council board, Watson said city staff identified approximately 16 affected locations, including rainbow crosswalks. Failure to comply within 30 days could cost Austin hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funding, including $175 million in current grants for Austin Transportation and Public Works alone.

“When this edict was announced, I issued a statement that said, in part, ‘With all the needs we have in this state, it’s disappointing and a waste of time to be talking about this. Austin will comply with state law and we’ll demonstrate our love for all Austinites in other ways. We have a lot of pride. We’ll live it and we’ll show it,’ Watson said.

The mayor proposed using city-owned property such as sidewalks, utility poles and other areas not subject to roadway regulations to display community pride and diversity.

“I envision banners along Bettie Naylor Street, potential permanent fixtures on city-owned property like sidewalks or utility poles, potential painting of sidewalks, and things I’m sure I’m not thinking about,” Watson said.

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He also suggested similar installations in the East 11th Street area, which features “Black Artists Matter ATX” messaging.

Abbott’s directive cited federal and state roadway safety guidelines prohibiting non-standard surface markings that convey social, political or ideological messages. Cities that refuse to comply face consequences including withholding of state and federal road funding.

Watson said he expects community members would help fund alternative displays and asked staff to develop a proposal for “creative participation by Austinites.”

“Austin’s pride, love, and diversity won’t be suppressed,” Watson wrote. “There’s more than one way to show we care.”