Item 7: Draft Recommendation to Council to Protect Language Access Programs — original pdf

Backup

RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resources Advisory Commission Recommendation Number: [20260728-007]: Recommendation on the Language Access Programs Date of Approval: Recommendation: The Hispanic/Latino Quality of Life Resource Advisory Commission commends the Austin City Council for maintaining funding for language access services across City departments during the FY 2026-2027 budget process. The Commission recommends that Council continue prioritizing language access as an essential City service and ensure future investments sustain multilingual communication, interpretation, translation, and culturally responsive outreach so that all Austin residents can meaningfully access City programs, services, and civic engagement opportunities. Description of Recommendation to Council: Language access is a cornerstone of equitable government services. Austin’s diverse communities rely on multilingual communication to access public health information, emergency notifications, housing resources, transportation services, social services, and opportunities to participate in local government. The Commission recognizes the City’s continued investments in language access initiatives, including the Communications and Public Information Office (CPIO), the iSpeak Language Access Program, and departmental language access efforts that help ensure residents with limited English proficiency can receive information and services in a language they understand. These investments support: ● Translation and interpretation services across City departments. ● Multilingual public communications and emergency notifications. ● Greater access to City programs and services. ● Increased civic participation through language-accessible meetings, materials, and community engagement. ● More equitable delivery of public services for Austin’s diverse communities. By maintaining these investments, the City continues to reduce barriers to accessing essential services and strengthens trust between local government and the communities it serves. Rationale: During our Public Health Workgroup meeting with community members, participants consistently identified language access as an essential component of public health, community safety, and equitable access to City services. Participants emphasized that language access extends beyond translation documents, it also includes: ● Culturally responsive outreach ● Trusted community partnerships ● Ensures residents receive accurate information in ways that are accessible and meaningful Workgroup members also discussed the growing concerns among immigrant and mixed-status families about accessing services due to fears surrounding immigration enforcement. In this environment, clear multilingual communication and trusted access points are increasingly important to ensure residents understand available services and feel safe seeking assistance. The Commission appreciates that language access services were not proposed for funding reductions during this budget cycle and encourages the City to continue treating language access as essential infrastructure that supports equity, public health, civic participation, and access to government for all Austinites. Motioned By: Seconded By: Vote: For: Against: Abstain: Off the dais: Absent: Attest: (Staff or commissioner can sign)