The Howard County Flag Commission’s year-long public flag design process earned a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for outstanding civic engagement. Recognized in the Civic Education and Public Information category, the initiative involved hundreds of resident submissions and over a thousandpublic votes, culminating in the adoption of a new county flag.
Designed by Ellicott City resident Esen Paradiso, the flag features gold and white arches over green and blue fields, symbolizing the county’s heritage, environment, and inclusive future. The arch represents both the Thomas Viaduct and the Chrysalis, while the gold circle reflects energy, state pride, and progress.
“This flag reflects who we are—diverse, forward-looking, and rooted in our history,” said County Executive Calvin Ball, who announced the winning design in March 2025 following a final public vote. Formed in January 2024, the Flag Commission was chaired by HoCo Arts Executive Director Coleen West and led a transparent, community-driven selection process. More details are available on the Howard County Government website.
The new flag was officially hoisted outside the County’s George Howard Building in Ellicott City for the first time during a ceremony on July 7 which included an honor guard of Howard County Fire and Police Officers as well as Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from Atholton High School. Photos from the event can be found on the County’s Flickr website.