Champlin's Council Decision On State Flag Sparks Local Debate

A Minnesota city has taken the state flag debate to the people. The city, at a recent city council meeting, had a discussion over which flag the city should fly outside the government buildings, the former Minnesota flag with the blue background and state seal in the middle, or use the new flag with the two blue colors and an 8-sided star. After listening to citizen comments, the city council voted 3-2 to fly the former flag at all city buildings.

Minnesota State Flag Debate Heats Up Again

The City of Champlin on Monday night had a discussion over which flag to fly at city buildings, as they had been hearing from constituents on both sides of the debate of either flying the new flag or flying the former flag. After a period of public comment, the city council voted in favor of flying the former flag.

The City of Champlin shared the news on social media following the meeting.

The post reads:

Hey Champlin!

At the February 23 City Council meeting, the topic of whether the City should fly the 1983 Minnesota State Flag or the redesigned 2024 State Flag was on the agenda. The decision on which state flag to fly is a policy decision of the City Council. City Council heard from approximately 10 residents, with about 30 community members in attendance.

Following a robust discussion by all five councilmembers, during which they each shared their perspectives, a motion was made by Councilmember Huttner to display the 1983 State Flag on City property (full resolution below), with a second from Councilmember LaCroix. The final vote was 3–2, and the Council adopted the resolution. In favor of flying the 1983 flag were Mayor Sabas, Councilmember Huttner, and Councilmember LaCroix. Opposed were Councilmember Moe and Councilmember Tesdall.

Resolution Summary:

The City of Champlin will display the 1983 Minnesota State Flag on city property.

If you'd like to watch the replay of the City Council meeting and hear from each councilmember on the flag agenda item, here’s the QCTV link: https://qctv.org/show/7/17120/

The Champlin Council's resolution cites that the state doesn't require municipalities to fly the state flag, making the decision of which flag to fly up to the council.

The New Minnesota Flag Has Been Debated Since It Debuted

Many Minnesotans have been very passionate about the state flag. On both sides of the aisle, citizens have voiced their opinions about it since 2024, when the new flag was adopted after soliciting designs and input from the public.

Those who aren't fans of the new flag felt the decision to change it should have been put on the statewide ballot to allow Minnesotans to vote on it, rather than a committee choosing the design.

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What Do You Think Your City Should Do?

Since it is up to the municipalities to decide which flag to fly, if any state flag at all, what should your city or township do? Let us know through the app.

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Gallery Credit: Abbey