D9 & D10 Councilmembers: Public Funds Not for Personal Views

Published on January 07, 2026

District 9 and 10 Councilmembers Emphasize that Public Money Should Not be Used for Individual Viewpoints

SAN ANTONIO (January 7, 2026) – Today, Councilmembers Marc Whyte and Misty Spears expressed their disapproval of the City of San Antonio’s decision to allocate approximately $170,000 from the Public Works budget for rainbow-colored sidewalks.

The Councilmembers believe that Public Works funds should not be used in this manner, as this public money is intended to address long-standing, critical infrastructure needs throughout the city. “San Antonio continues to face significant challenges related to drainage, street conditions, and sidewalk repairs,” Whyte said. “When taxpayer dollars are involved, our focus should be on addressing these essential infrastructure needs that directly impact public safety and our residents’ day-to-day quality of life. As Americans, we have the right to freely express ourselves.  If private individuals or businesses wish to use their money to make a statement, they have the right to do so. But to use public dollars to paint colored sidewalks instead of allocating that money to core infrastructure needs is not in the best interest of our citizens.”

Councilmember Spears also noted that her position on this matter is centered on the proper use of public money. “I believe the elimination of the rainbow crosswalks was an important roadway safety decision made by the state of Texas and not intended to target San Antonio or the LGBTQ community. Protected free speech is what makes America the best country in the world.  However, tax dollars should not fund individual viewpoints.”