San Antonio planning commission recommends changing Cesar Chavez Boulevard back to Durango Boulevard

On June 24, 2026, the San Antonio Planning Commission voted to recommend that City Council consider renaming Cesar Chavez Boulevard to Durango Boulevard, approving the recommendation by roll call with one dissenting vote.

Clayton Walls, interim principal planner with Development Services, told the commission the application covers the corridor from Southwest 36th Street in Council District 6 to South Hackberry Street in Council District 2 and that 295 addresses would need to be changed. "The current estimated cost of the project is $305,200," Walls said, describing the figure as a split among application and notification fees and sign replacement costs for both city and highway signs. He said departments and regional partners were notified and that, so far, responses have been supportive; the Historic and Design Review Commission recommended approval. Walls said the item is expected to appear before City Council in August for final action.

Public testimony was mixed. Maria Cardenas, introduced by the chair, said she opposed removing Cesar Chavez's name and questioned the expense: "I oppose taking his name off of the streets and spending $300,000," she said, arguing the money could be used for other needs in District 5. Elva Flores, who identified herself as a provider for a disabled client, described practical hurdles for residents if postal and identity records must be updated in person: "She's gonna have to redo all of that... Everything has to be changed back to Durango, the driver's license," Flores said, noting seniors and low‑income residents could face serious burdens.

Other commenters urged different outcomes. Gabriela Hernandez Martinez said she collected signatures asking instead to rename the street for a religious figure, the Virgin of the Perpetua Socorro, citing a desire for community protection and unity. Rose Garcia, a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, said the neighborhood included family history and local commemorations and urged the commission to return the Durango name: "Please consider changing it back to Durango Street," she said, referencing recent allegations involving Cesar E. Chavez as context for neighbors' views.

Commissioners pressed staff on who would help residents complete address and identification updates if the council approves a change. Walls said the estimate does not include funding for direct resident assistance and that any assistance would need to be coordinated through council offices; a specific funding source for the shortfall had not been confirmed. Several commissioners suggested less costly alternatives—such as memorial designations—to honor individuals without the logistical impacts and expense of renaming a long corridor.

Commissioner Prophet moved to approve the recommendation to change the name to Durango Boulevard; Commissioner Siegel seconded. In the roll call the commission recorded one No vote from Commissioner Sanchez and Yes votes from the remaining voting commissioners, and the motion passed. The commission’s vote is a recommendation; final approval would come from City Council at its August meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Consent agenda: Motion approved by roll call; Commissioner Bustamante recused from the consent agenda. (See meeting record.)
- Item 16: Continuance to August 26, 2026 — Approved by roll call.
- Item 10 (Cesar Chavez → Durango street name change): Motion to recommend approval passed by roll call (one No vote: Commissioner Sanchez); the item will go to City Council in August.

The commission heard no director's report and adjourned at 2:22 p.m.