Public hearing on designs September 30th
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the Howard County Flag Commission has published design submissions received for a new official county flag. The design submissions are now live on the Commission’s webpage. Each design is accompanied by a narrative description intended to draw the connection between the flag and Howard County.
“The design of a county flag is a once-in-a-generation process and the response to our call for designs was nothing short of inspiring,” said Ball. “In just three months, we received more than 200 unique designs from 100 individuals. I invite our community to review these designs and share your feedback with the Flag Commission at our upcoming public hearing.”
The Flag Commission accepted designs via an online application portal between April 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024. Individuals of all ages were invited to submit up to three original designs for the new official Howard County flag.
Participants in the design process were required to describe their personal connection to Howard County, including how they live, work, or play in the county. Parents or legal guardians were required to submit on behalf of individuals under the age of 18.
In accordance with the Commission’s Design Guidelines and Criteria, each design submission required a brief narrative describing how the design represents Howard County, including its enduring appeal, symbolism, and color choices. Designs were required to be rectangular in shape and crafted at a 3:5 ratio. During the month of July, the Commission conducted a threshold eligibility review to exclude from public posting and consideration any submissions that did not comply with the Guidelines and Criteria.
“We are thrilled with the number and variety of submissions we received,” said Coleen West, Executive Director of the Howard County Arts Council and Chair of the Howard County Flag Commission. “The Commission worked hard to spread the word about this opportunity and we look forward to public feedback on the designs now under review.”
The Commission will host a public hearing on Monday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. to receive community input on the designs received. The hearing will take place at the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City.
Following the public hearing, the Commission will review the designs and select up to 10 for a public vote in the fall. By the winter of 2025, the Commission will select three finalists and publish its recommendations. The County Executive will then evaluate the Commission’s recommendations and choose a design to present to the County Council for legislative approval. The three design finalists will each receive an honorarium of $1,000 for their work.
The Commission was established by Executive Order in January of 2024 with a charge to conduct a public design process for a new Howard County flag.
Questions or comments about the flag design and selection process may be directed to flag@howardcountymd.gov. To learn more about the Howard County Flag Commission, its upcoming meetings and the redesign process, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/flag.
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