NOVEMBER 6, 2024 — Today, Milwaukee’s Common Council has sent the adoption of the “People’s Flag of Milwaukee” back to the Steering & Rules Committee, prolonging the city’s decision on whether to replace its current flag from the 1950s, reported the Urban Milwaukee.
In a Wednesday meeting, the council unanimously agreed to refer the proposed adoption back to committee for further deliberation.
Alderman Peter Burgelis, who led the initiative to consider replacing Milwaukee’s existing flag with the “Sunrise Over the Lake” design—winner of a 2016 public contest— stated that “I’ll send this to committee so we have time, options, for our next steps.”
While support exists for the modern design, the proposal has encountered obstacles, including legal questions about a potential referendum to resolve the matter. The council raised this idea in October, though concerns about state law complicate the viability of such a vote.
This is not the first time the flag adoption process has stalled. In 2019, concerns emerged over whether the new flag adequately represents Milwaukee’s diverse communities. Although the People’s Flag has gained traction in various neighborhoods and among local businesses, some council members have noted limited visibility in predominantly Black areas and questioned if the flag’s yellow, blue, and white palette reflects Milwaukee’s majority-minority demographics.
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