News Release

From Worst to ?: Pocatello Raises New Flag

September 19, 2017

After an effort that spanned the globe, Pocatello’s new flag flew over the city for the first time Tuesday.

The Pocatello Veterans Honor Guard had the distinction of hoisting the flag for the first time and the ceremony marked the end of the Gate City’s effort to raise a new flag. In 2015, the city was highlighted in a TED talk by Roman Mars titled “Why city flags may be the worst-designed designed thing you’ve never noticed” as having the “worst city flag in North America.” Since the talk’s debut in March 2015, it has amassed 4.5 million views. A few of which were what sparked local residents to ask the City to take on a redesign effort.

“This was a citizen driven effort from the beginning and I applaud them for showing myself and many in the community what a good flag can mean for a city,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “I don’t know where the North American Vexillological Association will rate us now but regardless, I am proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

The Ad-Hoc Committee formed in the spring of 2016 and in the fall, the committee accepted submissions from the public. Once the submission processed ended, the committee found itself looking at 709 designs from 26 countries and 31 of the 50 United States. In early 2017, a panel of experts began weighing in on the designs and in March, the public had the chance to offer their opinion on all 709 designs. The effort wrapped up with a public comment period on a final six revised designs. The current design rated the highest among the public.

“The response was beyond anything the committee could have imagined,” said Logan McDougall, Flag Design Ad-Hoc Committee Chair. “Now, to have the design on the flag pole is a feeling that’s tough to describe and again, I’d like to thank the committee for their diligence in seeing the city raise this flag.”

The flag is a compilation of several designs and incorporates important symbolism that was highlighted by the public and experts.

“Many of the flags that were submitted had one or more of the themes present in our flag,” McDougall said. “The new flag does a fantastic job of recognizing the different elements that make up Pocatello.”

Businesses and individuals who would like to utilize the flag design can find image files and color specifications at flag.pocatello.us. The website also features a description of all the symbolism contained in the flag.

“We’ve heard about interest about the design being used for t-shirts, hats, and even socks,” said McDougall. “We’re looking forward to seeing what everyone can come up with.”

Residents who would like to purchase a flag can do so at the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce. The flags are 3 feet by 5 feet and are $50 plus tax.

Below is a list of artists whose submission contributed or had similar features of the final design whether through style or symbolism.