There’s a sunset — one of Mejia’s favorite things about Nebraska — represented, along with the state Capitol and an aerial view of the traditional center of town and the start located at 13th and O streets.
The teal green represents Lincoln’s tapestry of parks, trails, trees and green spaces and its being home of the Arbor Day Foundation; the navy blue, the groundwater aquifer, and significant natural resources significant to the region; the gold, the city’s bright future and a place where all are welcome.
Members who served on the committee and City Council members heaped praise on Mejia’s work.
Kayla Meyer, with the Young Professionals Group, said submissions came from people ages 6 to 90, and the committee got more than 6,400 comments on the four finalists. The design by Mejia, who emigrated from El Salvador, was a clear fan favorite, she said.
Councilwoman Jane Raybould, who described herself as a bit of a curmudgeon, wasn’t convinced when she first saw the design, but as she learned about the meaning of the flag, she had a change of heart.
“Little by little, I really warmed up to it,” she said. “I really have grown to appreciate it more. That’s the power of your work. If you can make converts of people like me, that’s really saying something.”
Supporters said the flag would be something people noticed, that it was a chance for the city to “rebrand” itself and that it would be good for business.