Oakland County wants the public to help design a new flag, and Farmington-area residents have until Jan. 4, 2027, to submit ideas.

The county is accepting submissions for a redesigned flag through an online portal, according to an Oct. 1 county announcement. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners created the Flag Leadership and Advisory Group (F.L.A.G.) in June 2025 through a resolution introduced by Commissioner Brendan Johnson, a Rochester Hills Democrat who chairs the group.

The current flag, a maize-colored oak tree on a green background with the number "1820," was adopted in May 1970. The county's official flag page says the design meets only three of five criteria set by the North American Vexillological Association. Those criteria are simplicity, meaningful symbolism, a limited color palette, no text or seals, and distinctiveness.

"Nearly six decades have passed since the current flag was adopted," Johnson said. "The county has experienced tremendous growth since 1970 when the current flag debuted, and this presents an opportunity for us to look toward our next century under a new, more representative emblem."

Johnson added that few residents even know Oakland County has a flag.

Anyone can submit a design. There are no age or residency restrictions. Submissions must be original, rectangular and roughly 3-by-5 inches. The group will not accept designs made with artificial intelligence or stock images.

There is no cash prize. Artists give up intellectual property rights to any design they send in. F.L.A.G. members may pick one submission outright or combine elements from several entries. Vexillological experts from NAVA and Oakland County's internal design staff will help refine the final product at no cost.

The seven-member advisory group includes three commissioners: Johnson; Commissioner Robert Smiley, a Wixom Republican and longtime design professional; and Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles of District 17. Oakland County Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo and Historical Commission Chair Dave Decker also serve, along with Steve Dorsey, the county's creative operations officer, and Spencer Verhagen, a community engagement representative, both appointed by the county executive.

Bacak-Egbo curated a library of maps, historical narratives and community profiles posted alongside the submission form at oaklandcountymi.gov/flag, according to a county press release.

The submission deadline is 5 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2027. The county plans to unveil the new flag in fall 2027, timed to the relocation of about 700 county employees to a new campus in downtown Pontiac.

Upcoming dates

  • Jan. 4, 2027, 5 p.m. — Deadline to submit flag designs at oaklandcountymi.gov/flag
  • Fall 2027 — Planned unveiling of the new Oakland County flag