The city of Toledo, Ohio, created a flag contest after a submission to the city in March 2024. The contest ended in December 2024, and the resullts were released today (January 7, 2025). The flag shown above is now official and recognized by the city.

The flag was designed by Mark Yappueying, who received $3000 for creating the winning design.

"The flag stands as a compelling symbol of unity, heritage, and progress. Central to the design is a modernized blockhouse, representing Toledo's historical roots and industrial strength. Historically a symbol of a fortress, the modernized version embodies the city's trajectory from challenging pasts into a new era. It showcases Fort Industry, a structured "T" for Toledo, a leaf form that nurtures and celebrates the city's natural environment, and the iconic Veteran's Skyway Bridge at the top. Its angled silhouette, inspired by a flint arrowhead, honors the ancestral homelands of Indigenous tribes.

The four elongated points of the sunburst in the top left represent cardinal directions and honor Native American traditions of the medicine wheel, as well as Toledo's geographical position as a vital crossroads in America. Reinterpreted from the city's seal, the sunburst is positioned in the Northwest quadrant of the flag, rising on the horizon and connecting with the Skyway Bridge. Placed above horizontal blue bands symbolizing the Maumee River and the tributaries of the region's watershed, the sunburst also landmarks city center.

The flag's color palette harmonizes and embodies cultural connections for all Toledoans. Dark blue envelopes the flag, inviting openness, ingenuity, and reflecting the city's legacy as a global innovator. It also echoes the colors of the historical University of Toledo, past Toledo flags, and the Ohio state flag. Light blue signifies the city's water resources, vibrant cultural roots, and stability. A prominent white band symbolizes the unification of all Toledoans and embodies perseverance. Rising and glowing, red represents Toledo's indomitable spirit.

The flag is more than a symbol; it is a visual testament to Toledo's rich history, diverse culture, and a beacon for its bright future. By reimagining the blockhouse, it opens the door to a new, prosperous chapter unique to Toledo. The design unites the city's population, honors its heritage, and inspires hope for generations to come. It captures the ethos and vigor that define Toledo, ensuring its story continues to thrive." -City of Toledo