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Commission debates redesign of Oregon City seal and whether to create a new city flag
Summary
Commissioners and staff reviewed the city seal and flag codified in municipal code, discussed returning to an earlier black‑and‑white seal or adapting the branded logo, and asked staff to prepare two simplified seal options and consider a separate flag process.
At the Sept. 9 work session, commissioners reviewed several options to update the city seal and decide whether to adopt a separate city flag. Staff presented an original pressed brass seal impression, a colorized rendering, and mockups incorporating the city’s current branded logo.
Staff said the packet included the municipal code language describing the current seal and flag and that the current flag incorporates the seal with additional stars. Commissioners described the existing seal as cluttered and ‘‘cartoonish’’ in appearance and discussed two clear goals: simplify the seal for broad use on legal documents, and create a separate, simple flag that could work as a public‑facing emblem.
Several commissioners expressed support for returning to a simplified, black‑and‑white rendition of the earlier seal or for converting the graphic city logo (the blue/gold icon used in city branding) into a circular seal element. Commissioners asked staff to explore two design options: a simplified historic‑style seal (with the elevator incorporated) and a circular seal based on the current branded logo, and to present both as cleaned digital files. Staff said the original physical seal has no existing high‑quality digital master and an artist would need to create a production file.
On the flag question, commissioners split on process and urgency. Some said they did not see a need for a new city flag; others favored a simplified flag that could be recognized from memory and suggested using local design volunteers or a limited public process. Commissioners tasked staff to handle the seal work first and return with the two seal options; they agreed to address the flag in a later discussion and to be mindful of staff time if a public contest or broad engagement is proposed.
No ordinance changes were adopted at the session. Staff will return with two polished seal options and recommended language about how a new seal would be used; the flag would be considered in a separate item.
