City Council approves two‑year pilot allowing digital media displays in select areas

San Antonio City Council on Thursday approved a two‑year Digital Media and Arts pilot program to allow off‑premise digital displays at up to 10 locations across eight designated areas of the city.

The ordinance, which amends Chapter 28 (Signs) of the city code, sets a limit of 10 signs citywide, requires each permittee to contribute $100,000 per sign upfront to fund artwork and local artist stipends, gives the city a 10% share of gross revenue during the pilot (15% if extended), and reserves a 20% timeshare for the city to display public messages or art. The ordinance also bars digital displays on historic structures and within view corridors of the River Walk and requires compliance with TxDOT rules where applicable.

Supporters said the program can create steady revenue for arts projects and provide venues for digital and moving‑image artists. David Ehrlich, who said he has worked on similar programs in other cities, told council: "These screens serve as one of the rare professionalizing opportunities for digital and…