Unveiling the Meaning Behind the Urbandale, Iowa City Flag

The city flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it's a visual representation of a community's identity, values, and aspirations. The recently adopted flag of Urbandale, Iowa, is a testament to this, brimming with symbolism that reflects the city's past, present, and future. Adopted in the summer of 2024, this flag is a carefully crafted emblem that encapsulates the spirit of Urbandale. Let's delve into the design, meaning, and history behind the Urbandale City Flag.

A Star of "U"s: Decoding the Design

At first glance, the Urbandale flag presents a striking image: six intertwined "U"s, rendered in light blue and white, forming a star-like shape against a dark blue backdrop. But what does it all mean?

• The "U"s: The most prominent feature, the six intertwined "U"s, represent the core elements that make up Urbandale: its people, natural resources, businesses, schools, transportation, and local government. Their interconnectedness signifies unity and collaboration.
• Color Symbolism: The flag's colors aren't arbitrary. The dark blue symbolizes stability and peace, reflecting the city's commitment to a secure and harmonious environment. The light blue and white of the "U"s represent the two counties where Urbandale is expanding, signifying growth and inclusivity.
• Endless Pattern: The intertwining of the "U"s creates an endless pattern, which embodies the community's continuous journey forward, always striving for progress and improvement.
• The Bright Star: The central star, shining brightly against the dark blue, is inspired by the fireworks display during Urbandale's Independence Day celebration. It symbolizes a bright and positive future for the community, full of hope and promise.

The Colors of Urbandale: A Closer Look

For those interested in replicating the flag's colors or incorporating them into other designs, here's a breakdown:

• OG Blue: PMS 2768, #021d49
• UN Blue: PMS 292, #65b2e9
• White: #ffffff

A Flag's Journey: From Conception to Adoption

The creation of the Urbandale city flag was a meticulous and inclusive process. It all began in October 2023, when the City Council recognized the importance of having a flag to represent Urbandale. What followed was an eight-month journey involving extensive community engagement:

• Community Input: Over 440 designs were submitted, not only from Urbandale residents but also from across Central Iowa and even other states, showcasing the widespread interest in the project.
• Expert Committee: A dedicated Flag Design Committee, composed of city officials, residents with design expertise, and members of the Urbandale Historical Society, was formed to oversee the process.
• Volunteer Working Group: A volunteer Flag Design Selection Working Group, consisting of community members, played a crucial role in reviewing the submissions and narrowing down the options.
• Public Feedback: The City Council presented five shortlisted designs to the community for feedback, gathering over 500 ratings to gauge public opinion.
• Expert Consultation: The Flag Design Committee consulted with the secretary of the North American Vexillological Association for design guidance, ensuring the flag adhered to best practices in vexillology (the study of flags). They also sought advice from flag fabric manufacturers on color selection.
• Final Design: Based on the community feedback and expert guidance, the Flag Design Committee refined the chosen design, culminating in the final version that was officially adopted on July 2, 2024.

Proper Display: Honoring the Symbolism

To ensure the flag's symbolism is respected, it's crucial to display it correctly. The white "U" shape should always be oriented at the top, appearing upright and readable. This ensures that the flag is not displayed upside down or reversed, preserving its intended meaning.

More Than Just a Flag: Urbandale Pride

The Urbandale city flag is more than just a decorative item; it's a symbol of community pride. Residents can now purchase flag merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and flags of various sizes, at City Hall. Stickers and mini flags are also available for free, allowing everyone to display their Urbandale pride.

Continuing the Journey

The adoption of the Urbandale city flag marks a significant milestone in the city's history. It serves as a reminder of the community's unity, progress, and bright future. As Urbandale continues its journey forward, the flag will undoubtedly serve as a powerful symbol of its identity and aspirations. You may also want to explore other aspects of the city's identity, such as Urbandale's History.