Tetreault said he wanted to keep it simple but include some of the city's natural resources.

"From the lake, of course, to the hills to our sky, to the stars you see in that sky," he said. "There are three hills in the design, which represent Thompson Hill, Enger Hill, and Hawk Ridge."

Tetrault's design statement said the colors represent the "clear blue of the sky, refreshing water of Lake Superior, deep green of the north woods, and snowy winters." The star is meant to symbolize the Zenith City of the north.

"We tried to speak to the history of Duluth, our culture," he said, referencing a nod to the Native American roots of the area.

According to the city, 98 artists submitted 195 different flag designs. A committee helped narrow the designs down to nine finalists, then the public was asked to vote on their favorites.

Tetreault's daughters also submitted designs to the contest. He has high hopes for what the flag can do for the city.

"There are a lot of cities that do have flags that are prominently displayed in cities like Chicago or Denver where they take pride in that flag, and it means something to them," he said. "So I really hope that's what can come of this flag."