Cedar Rapids asks residents to select new city flag

CEDAR RAPIDS — The city of Cedar Rapids is asking residents to help select a new city flag as a symbol of community pride.

Residents may view four flag designs and read the symbolism descriptions before ranking their top choices at cityofcr.com/cityflag through Aug. 31. The option residents rank highest will become the new official city flag, according to a news release.

The flag will be unveiled at 10 a.m. Sept. 18 in the lobby of the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s downtown location, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.

This public outreach process began in 2019 when the city asked residents to submit design ideas, colors, shapes and symbols for a new flag, with the goal of creating one that reflects Cedar Rapids and incorporates citizen ideas. The city paused the project because of the COVID-19 pandemic and last summer’s derecho.

After the city launched the public input process, volunteer graphic designers helped create several possible designs using that input. Members of the North American Vexillological Association provided two rounds of ratings, comments and suggestions on the submitted designs. A local committee used the association’s feedback and resident input to choose four final designs.

“We are excited to offer the opportunity for Cedar Rapids residents to help select the new flag design,” Cedar Rapids City Council member Ashley Vanorny said in a statement. “The flag is a symbol that will represent the community, so it’s important that the community feels a connection to the final design. I hope people will really embrace the new flag and we start to see it all over as a point of pride for the people of Cedar Rapids.”

All flag design files will be publicly available for printing and other community uses, allowing Cedar Rapids residents to determine how the flag is used.

Businesses interested in creating flag merchandise may contact the city at CityFlag@cedar-rapids.org.

Comments: (319) 398-8494; marissa.payne@thegazette.com