Overview
- The Elk River City Council unanimously approved Resolution 26-31, directing city facilities to display the 1983 version of the Minnesota state flag.
- City materials show robust public input, including a resident survey with 1,053 responses that found 74.6% favored flying the former flag and a packed public forum on April 6.
- The resolution cites concerns with the state’s 2023–24 redesign process, noting limited decision-making by elected officials, weak Greater Minnesota representation on the commission, and poor statewide outreach.
- Minnesota law lets each city decide which state flag to fly on municipal property, so Elk River’s choice affects local displays without changing the statewide flag.
- Elk River joins what reporters describe as a growing list of cities reverting to the old design, including Champlin, Zumbrota, Plainview, North Branch, Detroit Lakes, Pine Island, Crosslake, Babbitt, and Wadena.