Missoula City Council considers adopting pride flag as official city flag

The Missoula City Council convened on June 2, 2025, to discuss significant changes regarding the city's official flag, particularly the potential adoption of the pride flag as an official symbol. This discussion reflects a broader commitment to inclusivity and representation within the community.

During the meeting, council members debated the authority to change the municipal flag, with some asserting that only the city council has the power to make such decisions, while the mayor's role is primarily to enforce policies. The city attorney clarified that there has been no formal adoption of an official flag for Missoula in the past, and the city has not flown the pride flag at City Hall previously.

Councilor Campbell raised the question of whether the school district had considered adopting a similar flag, indicating a desire for a community-wide initiative. This sentiment was echoed by school board representatives present at the meeting, who expressed support for a collaborative approach.

The council also discussed the implications of a new state law regarding flag displays, which allows for personal expressions of belief but restricts official government displays. This led to a clarification that while the pride flag could be adopted as the official flag, individual employees would still be free to express their identities in personal spaces.

As the meeting progressed, Councilor Nugent emphasized the importance of recognizing the distinction between official government displays and personal expressions, ensuring that city employees feel safe to express themselves. The council ultimately moved towards a resolution to adopt the pride flag as the official flag of Missoula, marking a significant step in the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

This decision, if passed, would not only symbolize support for the LGBTQ+ community but also set a precedent for how the city engages with various community values and identities moving forward. The council's discussions reflect a growing awareness of the importance of representation in public symbols and the need for policies that resonate with the community's diverse population.