The Minnesota state flag is due for a complete makeover. 

Critics argue the current flag is too busy with dates, symbols, outdated images, language and many colors. 

Critics also say the state flag isn’t memorable and resembles about 20 other state flags — all with a blue background and a state seal.

People have been advocating for a new Minnesota flag for decades, and their efforts were acknowledged earlier this year when the Minnesota Legislature passed a bill to create a commission to reconsider the design of the flag and state seal. 

And, the commission will come up with a process for public input, though the details haven’t been worked out. 

If all goes as planned, a new state flag will fly next May. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the new state flag, what will make it memorable and how a great flag might have the power to unify communities. 

Many people across the state have chimed in throughout the years with a flurry of designs. You can view some of the proposed designs on the Minnesotans for A Better Flag website.

Guests:

• Michael Green is a designer, a vexillologist — a person who studies flags — and the founder of Flags for Good.




• Patina Park is the executive director of Minnesota’s Tribal-State Relations for Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. Patina is Miniconjou Lakota from Cheyenne River Lakota Oyate.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.