Scottsdale has asked the public help create a new city flag in an open design challenge that will run through Oct. 27, per the Scottsdale Independent.

City of Scottsdale flag

The idea began when local high school student Connor Heron contacted the mayor about the flag’s current lackluster design — the city seal on a white background — and suggested the city design a new logo. Realizing that the current version was never intended to be an actual flag, not to mention that it fails to meet the standards set forth by the North American Vexillological Association, the city was moved to create a new design with the community’s help. 

Submissions can be entered on the city’s website or at any Scottsdale Public Library. There you can also find their guidelines such as using meaningful symbolism and keeping colors to a minimum. The idea is to recreate the successful designs of other cities, including nearby Peoria, and to represent a “blend of western heritage, natural beauty and modern art and culture.”

After the submission period has closed, the Neighborhood Advisory Commission will scour over the entries for the worthiest concepts, which will then be considered by the council. The public will also have an opportunity for input prior to the final decision. If all goes as planned, the new flag design should be revealed in early 2018.