ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that the Howard County Flag Commission will host a hybrid public hearing on Monday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. at the George Howard Building, located at 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City, to gather community input on the 184 designs under consideration for a new official Howard County flag.
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. As we continue forward in our process of choosing an updated and modernized county flag design, one that is more in align with our present values, I encourage our community members to share their feedback on what flag they think best encompasses Howard County past, present and future.
The public is encouraged to share their voice. The hearing will be livestreamed via the County Council Website. In order to testify in-person or virtually, each individual must register via the Commission’s website no later than 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30th. Sign-ups for in-person testimony will also be available outside the hearing room from 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30th. Written testimony will be accepted via flag@howardcountymd.gov through October 2nd. Individuals requesting an accommodation for the hearing should email flag@howardcountymd.gov no later than Wednesday, September 25th.
“We’re excited to hear from the community about these incredible designs,” said Coleen West, Executive Director of the Howard County Arts Council and Chair of the Flag Commission. “The Commission’s process is intended to be conducted with anonymity for the designer. We ask that everyone refrain from identifying their personal association with any designs.”
Following the public hearing, the Commission will review the designs and select up to 10 for a public vote this 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. The 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. 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.
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.