Thursday, October 1, 2026
When Mayor Mike Rosen released a statement explaining his decision not to fly the Progress Pride flag at City Hall during June’s Pride Month, he wrote: "Those who disagree with my decision have every right to say so. I respect their voices, I respect their right to protest peacefully, and I will continue listening even when we disagree.”
The disagreement rang loud and clear during Tuesday’s council meeting.
And on Wednesday, City of Edmonds Public Information Officer Natasha Ryan said Rosen decided not to wait on a proposed ordinance, given the timeliness of this situation.
"The City Council recommended the Pride flag fly on City Hall, and he took swift action this morning," Ryan said. "Mayor Rosen directed a mount to be put back on City Hall this morning, and the flag was flying by 9 a.m. The mayor will now move forward with the City Council to create a policy to mitigate potential legal issues surrounding flying flags at City Hall. "
Before that decision, however, several speakers, forcefully and with tears, blasted the mayor during Tuesday's public comment, pointing to nearby cities – including Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace – that fly the flags.
Later in the evening, a majority of councilmembers pushed back on Rosen’s decision, voting 5-2 to direct City Attorney Jeff Taraday to draft an ordinance to have the flag flown throughout June. Councilmembers Vivian Olson and Michelle Dotsch dissented. While they both said they support the LGBTQ+ community, they wanted councilmembers to conduct their own research rather than pay the attorney.
Before any of Tuesday's actions, Edmonds Pride Executive Director Rowan Soiset sent an email to the Beacon. “I am extremely disappointed, frustrated, and betrayed by the mayor's choice to not fly the flag, and his choice to avoid commenting on why he removed the flag holder from City Hall (that was only ever used to fly the pride flag) without informing the public or council."
Soiset forcefully relayed similar comments at the council meeting.
“I regret accepting the Pride proclamation from you,” Soiset said, directing his comment to the mayor. Soiset also expressed frustration that Rosen’s statement was behind a paywall, referring to the Edmonds Beacon’s article published Monday that broke the story.
(Editor’s note: The Beacon publishes the majority of its stories behind a paywall; stories are only available to subscribers. The Beacon asked Rosen for a statement on his decision not to fly the flag, and we published it. Rosen had no part in the decision to have his comments behind a paywall.)
“Those who made comments tonight showed great bravery,” Councilmember Chris Eck said during Tuesday's council conversation on the flag resolution. “There are still very real risks here in our community of harassment and violence.
“This is a particularly vulnerable and upsetting era for many community members because of actions at the federal level and rising incidents of harassment and violence against anyone who is not cisgender or straight, youth or adult, both here and across our country … Flying the Pride flag seems like such a simple thing to do. But yet it sends such a message that we stand not only just as a welcoming city, but we also stand strong for LGBTQIA+ for equity and inclusion.”
In 2021, then-Mayor Mike Nelson declared June as Pride Month in Edmonds. That same year, a Progress Pride flag fluttered above the City Hall entrance. Both were firsts for the City.
The flag features a rainbow along with brown and black stripes to represent racial diversity, with pink and light blue stripes to include the trans community.
Two years ago, a Progress Pride flag was absent from City Hall for much of June during Rosen’s inaugural term. Shortly after the Beacon published a story, it was back at City Hall. The flag also flew at City Hall last year.
This year, however, the flag was absent once again.
Here is Rosen’s statement to the Beacon, in full:
"I understand that some members of the LGBTQ+ community are disappointed by my decision not to fly the Pride flag at City Hall, and I respect their right to express that disappointment. Public expression and peaceful protest are fundamental elements of our democracy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to hear those perspectives.
"My decision should not be interpreted as a lack of support or respect for LGBTQ+ residents. This year, I personally initiated a Pride Month proclamation and directed Pride flags to be placed throughout downtown. Those flags will remain in place throughout the month, including as visitors from around the world come to the Pacific Northwest for the World Cup.
"These actions reflect a continued commitment to recognizing and supporting our LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways.
"Last year, the flag holder on the City Hall building was removed. This decision was not intended to reflect support for or opposition to any particular group, organization, or cause. I recognize that people may disagree with that decision, and I respect those differences of opinion.
"More broadly, the question of how the City recognizes and supports communities and causes is an important discussion. Should the City fly flags? If so, which flags, where should they be displayed, and for how long?
"Beyond flags, the City has historically used proclamations, council resolutions, financial support, staff assistance, and community partnerships to recognize and support important causes. There have also been legal challenges in other jurisdictions regarding government flag displays, underscoring the importance of having a clear and consistent policy.
"To help inform that discussion, I have reached out to the Chair of the Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Commission and asked the Commission to provide policy recommendations to the City.
"I encouraged them to consider whatever form of public engagement they believe is appropriate in developing that guidance. I have also stated that I am willing to abide by the outcome of that process.
"Councilmember Eck currently serves as the council liaison to the commission, and I encourage the council to consider any additional role it may wish to have in this conversation.
"What I hope does not get lost is my commitment to ensuring Edmonds is a welcoming community remains unchanged. Every resident deserves to feel respected, valued, and safe in Edmonds, including our LGBTQ+ residents, and I will continue working toward that goal.
"Those who disagree with my decision have every right to say so. I respect their voices, I respect their right to protest peacefully, and I will continue listening even when we disagree. Healthy communities are strengthened not by unanimity, but by the ability to engage one another respectfully through differences."
“Why there is no Pride flag at City Hall”
“Context on the Pride flag controversy in Edmonds”
“City on Pride flag: 'It is back'”
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