Councilmember Frank Morano and the New York City Council formally certified the Staten Island borough flag on August 13, 2026, granting it official status after years of informal use throughout the borough.
The flag’s design, which has long been displayed at both City Hall and Borough Hall, features a depiction of Henry Hudson’s ship, a group of oystermen, and a helmeted woman wielding a sword and shield. These elements have represented local heritage and identity for more than a decade, though the flag had never been formally recognized by the city.
The certification came after a council bill was introduced and approved by the governing body. The legislation specifically acknowledges the flag as the official emblem of Staten Island, moving it from an unofficial symbol to a city‑certified standard. Councilmember Morano, who sponsored the measure, highlighted the long‑standing presence of the flag in municipal settings as a basis for its formal adoption.
By granting official status, the city now provides a consistent and legally recognized banner for Staten Island. The move solidifies a visual representation that residents have recognized for years, ensuring its use in official capacities and public displays. The flag’s imagery, rooted in the borough’s maritime and working‑class history, will continue to appear in civic contexts with the backing of the city’s authority.