INVER GROVE HEIGHTS, MN — Inver Grove Heights approved a resolution Monday to fly the 1983 Minnesota state flag at city-owned buildings, joining a growing list of cities that have moved away from the state’s current flag design.
The City Council voted after a packed meeting in which residents spoke on both sides of the issue, FOX 9 reported.
Mayor Brenda Dietrich said she had heard from residents seeking a return to the flag that flew for 40 years, according to KSTP.
“While change can be inevitable, the public reaction to the new flag has thus far been overwhelmingly negative and underwhelmingly accepted, with many residents feeling a meaningful connection has been lost,” Dietrich said.
The current flag became the official state flag two years ago after a statewide redesign process.
Minnesota law does not require cities to fly any state flag and allows municipalities to decide which version to display.
Supporters of the older design told the council it reflects Minnesota history, while opponents said the city should honor the state’s official flag.
The resolution directs city staff to replace six flags on city property with the 1983 version.
Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota, and Plainview have also voted to fly the 1983 flag.
On Monday, KSTP reported that House DFL lawmakers introduced legislation that would cut aid by 10 percent for cities or counties that fly a different state flag, though the proposal is unlikely to advance.
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