Four Austin City Council members are seeking community input on possibly renaming César Chavez Street after abuse allegations against the late activist emerged.
AUSTIN, Texas — Four Austin City Council members want community input on whether to rename Cesar Chavez Street, following allegations of abuse against the late labor activist that surfaced last month.
The allegations came to light after labor rights activist Dolores Huerta revealed that she was among the women and girls who say they were sexually abused by Chavez, who died in 1993.
A memo signed by council members José Velásquez (District 3), Vanessa Fuentes District 2), Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela (District 4) and Zohaib “Zo” Qadri (District 9) calls for listening sessions, public surveys and a cost assessment for residents and business that reside along the street.
Several names have already been floated as possible replacements, such as returning the street to its original name First Street; honoring fallen Austin police officer Jorge Pastore, who was killed in the line of duty in 2023; or renaming it after Huerta.
Council members are seeking an outreach plan and timeline ready before a scheduled work session on May 26.
The full council memo can be read here.