WAVE YOUR FLAG

new or redesigned city flags. Nearly 3,000 people participated, most of whom were not members of NAVA.

There were four Colorado city flags represented in the survey, including Northglenn and Superior. Both received ‘F’ grades for their flags.

Although Diana Wilson with the City of Northglenn says the flag NAVA surveyed isn’t an “official flag,” NAVA survey volunteers found it flying “officially” at city hall.

According to Flags of the World, an online resource affiliated with the International Federation of Vexillological Associations, only two cities within Boulder County have flags: Longmont and Superior.

Kaye says flag design brings together geography, politics and history to create a strong representation of a community.

“If a city has a great flag, there’s an argument to be made that the perception of the city from the outside is more positive and … that citizens feel better about their city,” he says.

Erin Mendenhall, mayor of Salt Lake City, initiated a flag redesign process during the pandemic in 2020.

“A well-done flag can capture the heart and soul of a community and foster a real sense of pride,”

Mendenhall said in a press release in 2020. “I’m excited for Salt Lake City to have a flag that better represents this beautiful, unique place, and our people. With everything happening in the world, a creative, community pursuit like this is a welcome change.”

Salt Lake’s flag, unveiled in fall 2020, was co-designed by two local teens and placed fifth in NAVA’s survey.

Chicago’s flag — a line of four red stars sandwiched between alternating bands of white and light-blue stripes — is Kaye’s prime example of