New Raleigh Flag Update

RaleighForward reported last summer on the New Raleigh Flag project. More recently, the effort gained momentum after advocates pitched the concept to City Council in October. They presented the concept to City Council during two public comment sessions. Advocates asked Council to consider adopting the new flag as a second official City flag, to live alongside the existing flag, adopted in 1960.

Following the second round of public comment, then Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin asked City staff to study the issue and bring Council a report on the possibility of adopting a new flag. Following November elections, the winter holidays, and generally busy calendars for staff and Council, it seems the flag question may come to Council for consideration soon. RaleighForward has learned that City staff are preparing a report on the flag and may deliver it to Council in the coming weeks. Flag project organizers say interest in the flag is growing across the City, with an estimated 150-200 homes and businesses flying the new design.

The design is available in the public domain for use by the public at no charge, while independent merchants are now selling the flag. Therefore, keeping up an official count is becoming more difficult. Advocates note that the growing uptake of the New Raleigh Flag suggests that Raleigh residents are excited about this new way to express their Raleigh pride.

What will council decide? That remains to be seen. Flag supporters remain optimistic. 

If you have an opinion, be sure to let your City councilors know. For more info and updates, check the New Raleigh Flag website or follow their Instagram account. To get in touch with project organizers, e-mail them at info@newraleighflag.com.