Here's the New 'People's Flag' of Cleveland

Meet the People’s Flag of Cleveland Credit: Shan Rodich/CLE Flag Project

Almost a year of work and engagement, 570 initial submissions, input from a committee and, finally, a vote that drew the opinions of 11,000 Northeast Ohioans.

It all ended today with the unveiling of the ‘People’s Flag’ of Cleveland, the result of a process created by The CLE Flag Project to give the city a new, modern symbol to fly proudly.

Shan Rodich of Aurora is the creator of the winning design, which boasts multiple layers of symbolism: a six pointed star tying to Cleveland’s previous status as the Sixth City and its ties to industry and nautical enterprises; the C for Cleveland; blues and reds representing the lake, the river, and tying back to the original city flag as well as the state and U.S. flags.

According to organizers, 73% of voters selected the design in finalist voting, which featured two other original options and the current Cleveland flag.

“We are deeply grateful to the people of Cleveland for their enthusiasm and support in bringing the People’s Flag to life. The creativity of the Cleveland community is one of our greatest strengths, as evidenced by the incredible participation that we received in the design contest,” The CLE Flag Project’s Brian Lachman and Josh Harkleroad said in a statement. “The People’s Flag of Cleveland is more than a symbol—it represents our city’s unity, resilience, and what it means to be from ‘The Land.'”

A host of local businesses have already signed up to hoist the new symbol starting today and flags can be ordered at CleFlag.org. Apparel with the new flag can also be purchased online or in stores from GV Art + Design. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Cleveland Food Bank and the design is free to download and use from the CleFlag.org website.

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