City Invites Community Feedback on Potential César Chávez Street Name Change

The City of Austin invites community members to share their thoughts about a possible renaming of César Chávez Street.  

To gather community input, the City will host three meetings providing information about the history of the street, the renaming process, and the possible impacts for the community and nearby businesses. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to complete an online survey to provide their feedback. 

Community Meetings:  

• Tuesday, August 11, 5–7 p.m. - Austin Public Library, Central Library, 710 W César Chávez St, Austin, TX 78701
• Saturday, August 15, 2–4 p.m. - Sanchez Elementary School, 73 San Marcos St, Austin, TX 78702
• Tuesday, August 18, 6–8 p.m. - Virtual Zoom Webinar (register here)  

The information gathered through meetings and the survey will be shared with the City Council to help inform their decision and next steps. The City asks Austinites to weigh in on two main topics:

1. Should the City rename César Chávez Street?
2. If the City renames the street, what names should be considered? 

About César Chávez Street 

César Chávez Street has a long history in Austin. It was named Water Avenue in the original 1839 city plan and became First Street in 1887. For many East Austinites, it was known locally as La Primera. The street has served as a cultural and commercial center for generations of Mexican American, Chicano, and Latino Austinites and has been a place for neighborhood businesses, churches, community gatherings, and organizing. In 1993, the street was renamed to honor César Chávez as well as Austin’s Mexican American, Chicano, and broader Latino communities and their connections to the farmworker movement, organized labor, civil rights, and civic life.  

Following the release of sexual abuse allegations against Chávez in March of 2026, several City Council members issued statements in support of renaming César Chávez Street and called on the City Manager to develop a potential plan to rename the street. 

Learn more and complete the survey.