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Reno, Nevada (U.S.)

Washoe County

image by António Martins-Tuválkin, 5 May 2018

Description of the Flag
Former Flag
Seal

See also:

Description of the flag

The original contest statement, by designer Tucker Stosic, states:

The rich blue of the flag is representative of the state of Nevada, to which Reno is a proud part of. The bottom notch of the circle is silver to represent the silver mining boom in the area, which ultimately led to the rise of the city of Reno itself. Above [lies] the bright blue Truckee, which is not only a landmark of the area but essential drinking water to the current residents and was crucial to the early settlers of Reno. Above that stands the Sierra mountains, which are both a landmark of Reno and a provider of natural resources to the area. They are outlined by the color gold, to represent the rich desert Reno calls home. The star in the corner is the star on top of the Reno arch, a symbol of Reno, unifying its residents under it.

Source: www.rgj.com

James Ferrigan, well known vexillologist, was one of the 13 jury members [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/03/19/]; during the final adoption session he explained that the flag’s "identity is established through use and incorporation into the city after adoption, not through it immediately looking like Reno" [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/04/25] — words of wisdom which, although obvious to vexillologists, need to be often hammered in among the public.

The contest, which attracted "more than 2000 designs and 5000 public votes" [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/04/25], was held in early 2018, culminating with flag adoption on the city’s 150th birthday, April 25th. Article [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/04/25] says that five designs, among those many, had been selected for a final choice (article [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/03/19/] mentions 13 finalists, while listing 100 names of submitting designers; it might be a a mix-up with the 13 jury members, but the latter site does include a gallery of 13 shortlisted designs).

While the public and the Reno Arts Commission voted it as 2nd, "the dark blue flag with circular sunset, mountains, Truckee River and silver band with star in the corner", was adopted unanimously at the April 25 council meeting. Unusually, "Michael DeMartino was awarded $2,000 for first place by the Reno Arts and Culture Commission, $2,000. Reno native Tucker Stosic, whose design was made official, was awarded $1,000 for second place. Deitrik Reed was awarded $500 for third place." [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/04/25]

The designer of the now official flag, Tucker Stosic, is a 23-year-old art director who grew up in Reno. Jim Ferrigan worked with him in the development of the final version, namely by codifying the color shades, "enlarging the circular symbol a little bit, then moving the star inward to fix its proportion and position to more closely resemble that of the Nevada flag."

Article [https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2018/04/25] states that this is the first official flag of Reno, and that the previous flag, blue with map and city name was never adopted officially.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 5 May 2018

Former Flag

image by António Martins-Tuválkin, 24 November 2005

A dark blue flag with a large white map of Nevada on the hoist side with a blue five-pointed star marking the location of Reno; on the remaining area, about 2/3rds of the flag, the word "Reno" horizontally centered set in very large white sans serif extra bold capitals.
António Martins-Tuválkin, 24 November 2005

According to the city government at reno.gov:

"The previous Reno flag (above), created in 1959, was never adopted by the City Council. It was chosen through a similar process as the new Reno flag: a community contest. A citizen committee selected the top design from 73 entries and the winner was Robert Dressler, an 11-year-old, 5th grade student at the Orvis Ring School in Reno and one of 77 students bussed from the nearby Reno Sparks Indian Colony. The design was translated into a cotton and silk flag and presented at a State Building ceremony on May 9th. The Nevada Historical Society still has the original on display in the Reno Room. Robert Dressler's flag served well as a community banner, however, it never caught on as a popular symbol of the city."
Daniel Rentería, 27 January 2024

Seal

image located by Paul Bassinson, 5 October 2019

Source: https://d6dyoorq84mou.cloudfront.net
Paul Bassinson, 5 October 2019