Council unanimously approves creating a Newcastle city flag

The Newcastle City Council voted unanimously (7‑0) on June 3 to create or rejuvenate a city flag and directed staff to locate any existing city flag for reuse or to procure a replacement.

Council member Burford moved for the council to obtain a flag using the city emblem and maroon/white colors; the motion was seconded and passed without objection. Staff said a flag used previously exists in the city’s history but is not currently on hand; staff estimated the cost of a new, quality flag at approximately $200.

Members and residents spoke in favor of a flag as a symbol of municipal identity. Former council member and resident Carol Simpson told the council she remembered a city flag displayed at Association of Washington Cities conferences and stressed the civic value of having a flag: “There’s 271 cities, and all the cities who were there have the parade of flags,” she said during public comment, urging the city to reclaim that tradition.

Council members said a local flag could be used at city events, Newcastle Days, and when the city is represented at intercity gatherings; staff said they would search city records for an existing flag and proceed to order a replacement if none is found.

The council provided no new budget appropriation for the flag purchase at the meeting; staff said they could buy a replacement within existing small‑purchase authority and would report back if larger costs or custom design work were required.