Boise Mayor Lauren McLean reverses course on redesigned city flag, cites ‘feedback’

Mayor Lauren McLean has decided that Boise will stick with its current city flag, she announced Tuesday in a statement — less than a week after four new designs were released for a public vote.

The about-face came after a good amount of negative feedback.

“This was a special process where I heard from so many Boiseans what they love most about our city, and I could see that love and care for Boise in the submissions we received, the thoughtful work of our committee, and the passionate feedback from our residents,” McLean wrote in her statement.

The reimagining of the flag began with a citywide call for input about the city’s values and culture, which garnered ideas regarding themes and symbols from nearly 3,000 Boise residents. Nearly 140 local artists then submitted original designs with personal statements explaining the image and themes used.

Four designs were picked by a committee as finalists and were released last week for a public vote that was supposed to close on Friday, April 18. Instead, it seems, Boiseans voiced support for the current flag, while criticizing the final four choices.

“I’ve weighed that feedback, and one thing is clear: Boiseans are passionate about our city, and our flag! I’ve decided that it isn’t the right time to move forward with a new flag,”McLean said. “I’ve always said that being responsive to residents — listening and learning as I make decisions — is a key part of how I serve Boise.”

Despite the process for a new flag being halted, the city still shared the submissions from Boise residents.