Oakland County is accepting public designs for a new county flag to replace the current design, which was adopted in 1970. Rochester Hills Commissioner Brendan Johnson chairs the seven-member group overseeing the effort.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners' Flag Leadership and Advisory Group (F.L.A.G.) opened a public submission period on Thursday, Oct. 1. Designs are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2027, through a form at OaklandCountyMI.gov/flag.

Johnson, a Democrat representing District 4, introduced the resolution that created F.L.A.G. The board approved it on June 11, 2025. He also chairs the Legislative Affairs and Government Operations Committee.

"Nearly six decades have passed since the current flag was adopted," Johnson said in the county's Thursday announcement. "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."

The current flag features a maize-colored oak tree on a green background with the number "1820," marking the year Oakland County was founded. According to the F.L.A.G. program page, it meets only three of five design criteria set by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA). Those criteria cover simplicity, meaningful symbolism, limited color palette, no text or seals, and distinctiveness.

The board adopted the current flag on May 21, 1970.

Submissions must be original work. AI-generated images and stock art are not allowed. Designs should be rectangular and roughly 3-by-5 inches. There are no age or residency restrictions.

The group may pick one design outright or combine elements from several entries. Pro bono vexillological experts from NAVA and internal county design staff will handle the final professional stages at no cost.

No monetary prizes will be awarded. Submitters give up intellectual property rights to their designs.

Commissioner Robert Smiley, a Wixom Republican representing District 14, also sits on the committee. Smiley, who described himself as a lifelong design professional, said in the county announcement that the current flag "needs updating to meet proper principles of effective design."

Oakland County Historian Carol Bacak-Egbo curated a library of maps, historical narratives and community information to inspire submissions. Those resources are available on the program page alongside the submission form.

The county plans to unveil the new flag in fall 2027, timed to coincide with the relocation of about 700 county employees to a new campus in downtown Pontiac. The Thursday press conference announcing the submission period was held at the Oakland History Center, 405 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Pontiac. Residents can reach the Board of Commissioners at OaklandCountyMI.gov/BOC or 248-858-0100.