In a stunning display of fiscal responsibility, the Austin City Council has announced plans to spend upwards of $1.2 million to rename Cesar Chavez Street, despite facing a $26 million budget shortfall. The move comes after a New York Times investigation revealed that the late labor leader, known for his tireless advocacy for migrant workers, may have been secretly running a successful side hustle as the world's worst motivational speaker.
City officials have proposed a sweeping community engagement plan to determine a new name for the major thoroughfare, with early favorites including 'Water Street' and 'Generic Avenue.' The plan includes holding three public meetings over the summer, during which residents will have the opportunity to ask questions like "How much is this going to cost me?" and give feedback like "Please, not Water Street. Anything but Water Street."
Council Member Mike Siegel pointed out that the Dolores Huerta Foundation opposes renaming Cesar Chavez Street after Huerta, suggesting that maybe, just maybe, there are better ways to spend $1.2 million. But with the city's budget crisis looming, officials remain committed to throwing money at the problem until it goes away.
In a statement, a city spokesperson said, "We understand that spending $1.2 million on a street name change while facing a budget crisis may seem fiscally irresponsible. But we believe that by investing in the renaming process, we can create a distraction from the real issues facing our city, like rising rent prices and the fact that we keep accidentally bulldozing historic murals."
So, as Austin continues to grapple with its budget woes, residents can take comfort in knowing that their tax dollars are being put to good use – ensuring that no one has to bear the unbearable burden of living on a street named after a flawed but influential civil rights leader. Here's to you, Water Street. May your new signs shine bright.