NOVEMBER 11, 2025 — Vancouver, Washington, has officially adopted a new city flag that leaders describe as a symbol of unity, place, and progress, according to the City’s website.
The City Council’s unanimous vote on November 10 came after months of public engagement and design collaboration that involved more than a thousand residents.
“This flag is the result of thoughtful collaboration and creative input from across our community,” said Rose Mendoza, chair of the Flag Selection Committee. “Every element in the design reflects something meaningful about Vancouver, and it is a symbol we can all be proud of now and into the future.”
The new flag replaces the city’s 1993 banner, which was designed internally with little public input and has long been considered outdated and difficult to recognize.
The flag’s design tells the story of Vancouver’s connection to the land and water that define it. According to the city, a green upper field represents the city’s lush natural spaces and sustainability efforts, while a blue lower field symbolizes the Columbia River, the waterway that has shaped Vancouver’s culture and economy. Between them, a white chevron links land and river, forming a subtle “V” that suggests unity and forward motion. At the centre, a white emblem combines elements of the city’s best-known landmarks: Fort Vancouver, the Salmon Run Clock Tower, and the Grant Street Pier.
The committee received 138 entries through a public competition launched earlier this year. Judges reviewed all submissions anonymously to ensure fairness. During deliberations, they blended features from multiple promising designs to create two composite finalists. The winning flag emerged from the combined work of designers Brooke Nugent and Nathan Hunter, who joined Mendoza and Vice Chair Héctor Alejandro Varela-Betancourt in raising the new flag at City Hall following the council vote.
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle praised the collaborative process, calling the new emblem “a powerful reflection of who we are as a city.” She added, “It represents our natural surroundings, the iconic places that define Vancouver, and the creativity that makes our community special.”
“Vancouver’s flag is meant to be shared, celebrated, and seen throughout our community and beyond,” said Communications Director Laura Shepard. “People can download the official files from our website and start creating.”
The official raising of the flag is set for November 28 at City Hall, coinciding with the annual tree lighting celebration. The ceremony will include a community introduction and recognition of the designers, marking the public debut of the city’s new emblem.
