Winning City of Lincoln flag design announced

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) — The American Marketing Association-Lincoln Chapter and Lincoln Young Professionals Group on Monday announced the final results of ReFlag Lincoln, a competition to redesign the city of Lincoln’s flag. A decision to adopt the design was presented at a city council meeting on Monday by council president James Michael Powers. The city council will vote to adopt the new flag on January 24.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results of the competition to redesign the Lincoln Flag,” Powers said. “The new design is fresh and modern and reflects all the Lincoln traits we want to celebrate and showcase to the rest of the world.”

The winning flag, titled All Roads Lead to Lincoln, was created by Ed Mejia, local creative director, art director and graphic designer. His design was chosen by a panel from over 190 submissions from the public.

According to Mejia, the dark blue, navy, and gold flag has an Art Deco design, inspired by the original architecture and artwork displayed inside the Nebraska State Capitol. The cross lines capture the interconnection between technology, agriculture, and commerce that drew people to Lincoln. The beacon in the center symbolizes hope and optimism, as well as Lincoln’s reputation as a safe haven for those seeking to make our community their home.

“I started the process of designing the next Lincoln city flag display by thinking about the feelings I had when I was driving into town the first time,” Mejia said. “Lincoln rises from the horizon, beaming with a sense of hope and optimism shared by both lifelong residents and new refugees.”

Other recognizable images in the design include the sunrise, the State Capitol, and an aerial view of the traditional downtown (the star is on 13th and O Streets). The teal green is a nod to Lincoln’s green tapestry of parks, driveways, trees, and greenery—and the home of the Arbor Day Foundation. The deep blue color represents the aquifer, an abundant and valuable natural resource important to our region. Warm gold represents a bright future and a place where everyone is warmly welcomed.

The ReFlag Lincoln Selection Committee included Francisco Soto, School of Art, Art History and Design at the University of Nebraska, Ed Zimmer, local historian, Alyssa Martin, Nilant, Al Maxi, artist, Todd Ogden, Downtown Lincoln Society, Susan Miller, Ponca Nebraska Tribe, Whitney Hansen, AMA Lincoln, and Mairead Safrank, Lincoln Young Professionals Group. The panel reviewed more than 6,000 comments from the public before making a final selection.

The AMA and Lincoln YPG funded the competition by raising more than $20,000 from community sponsors, and plan to cover the cost of purchasing new Lincoln City flags. The city flag flies at the Hall of Justice and at police and fire stations.

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