AUSTIN, Texas — The city of Austin is exploring a waiver that would allow its current street art to stay in place. In a message board post on Monday, Mayor Kirk Watson said the city plans to ask the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for an exemption to preserve pavement art.

The move comes in response to a directive from Gov. Greg Abbott requiring the removal of nonstandard street markings by Nov. 7. That includes the Pride-themed crosswalk at Fourth and Colorado streets and the “Black Artists Matter” mural on 11th Street, among others.

While the city intends to comply with the directive to avoid jeopardizing millions in state and federal transportation grants, it will also explore alternative ways to celebrate Austin’s diversity. Watson proposed forming a task force composed

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