RES 26-31City of
Elk —
River
City of Elk River
City Council
Resolution 26-31
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River directing the 1983-2023-
designated Minnesota State Flag be displayed on all city -owned properties, now or
in the future, that fly a Minnesota State Flag.
WHEREAS, The State of Minnesota established a State Emblems Redesign Commission
to gather input and recommend a new state seal and flag for the State of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2024, anew Official Seal and Flag for the State of Minnesota were
adopted; and
WHEREAS, certain Minnesota communities have considered the display of the pre-2024-
adopted Minnesota State Flag; and
WHEREAS, Elk River residents contacted elected officials requesting reconsideration for
the display of the previous state flag; and
WHEREAS, the Elk River City Council requested resident engagement to utilize in the flag
display conversation; and
WHEREAS, resident engagement included published news articles, social media
engagement, website feedback forms, and a public discussion at the April 6, 2026, Regular
City Council Meeting; and
WHEREAS, following review of the submitted information, resident feedback on social
media, and at the Regular City Council Meeting, the Elk River City Council directed city staff
to prepare a resolution directing the display of the previous Minnesota State Flag on city -
owned properties where the flag is displayed; and
WHEREAS, The Elk River City Council stated the following in support of the previous
flag's display: 1) No correlations between the new state seal and the new (2024) flag. 2)
Concerns with the process to select and approve the new flag and lack decision -making by
elected state representatives. 3) Uncertain consent of the state's majority for the selected
new flag. 4) Inadequate Greater Minnesota representation on the State Emblems
Commission. 5) Poor marketing and implementation of a public process for statewide
engagement. 6) Elk River resident engagement and feedback demonstrated a desire for the
Minnesota State Flag officially approved for display from 1983-2023.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota, as follows: The City of Elk River shall display the official 1983-2023 Minnesota
State Flag as the representative flag of the State of Minnesota on all city -owned properties,
now or in the future, that display a Minnesota State Flag.
Passed and adopted this 20th day of April 2026.
Jo n Yietz, Maybr
ATTEST:
Jolene Richter, Deputy Clerk