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Salt Lake City council adopts ordinance establishing city flag standards, approves three civic emblems
Summary
Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance creating city flag standards and to approve three civic flags (including pride and Juneteenth emblems). Supporters described the action as a message of inclusion; proponents from LGBTQ and Juneteenth organizations addressed the council during general comment.
The Salt Lake City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing city flag standards and approved three civic emblems to be flown at City Hall and other official locations.
Mayor Rachel Mendenhall introduced the initiative earlier in the meeting and asked the council to support the new city flags as additional civic symbols. Council members from across the dais spoke in favor of the ordinance during the new‑business discussion, calling the action intentional and expressive of the city’s values.
Councilmember Sarah Young called the measure “an act of love,” urging the city to use emblems to show welcome to all residents. Councilmember Wharton framed the pride flag’s colors as representing shared human ideals and said the flags are meant to reflect “our shared humanity and the highest ideals of freedom, perseverance, and love.” Several council members said the flags do not replace the American flag, which will continue to fly on Washington Square.
Public commenters during general comment also spoke in support. Randall (Randy) Hoffman, an LGBTQ historian and co‑founder of a local nonprofit, commended the mayor and council for embracing emblems that recognize LGBTQ history in Salt Lake City. Betty Sawyer, director of the Utah Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival, urged council support for the Juneteenth emblem and noted the state and federal recognition of Juneteenth.
Council action: Councilmember Wharton moved adoption of the ordinance and Councilmember Pui seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Why this matters: the ordinance recognizes three new civic emblems as official city symbols and codifies standards for displaying them. Supporters said the action affirms inclusion for historically marginalized communities; council members emphasized the flags will fly alongside — not replace — the U.S. flag.
Ending: with unanimous approval, the city formalized flags that council members and some community groups said will serve as visible signs of belonging at official city locations.
