TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to organize and host a Community Budget Meeting with translation services available in multiple languages, starting with Fiscal Year 2020 outreach, as defined by the City of Long Beach Language Access Policy.
DISCUSSION
On August 13, 2013, the City of Long Beach adopted a Language Access Policy (LAP). The Language Access Policy establishes standards and procedures for providing equal access to City services and programs to all residents, including those with limited proficiency in English.
In the Fiscal Year 2019 budget, Mayor Garcia has proposed doubling the budget for Language Access services to $160,000 annually. As part of the community outreach for the City's Budget process for Fiscal Year 2020, the City of Long Beach should host at least one meeting with translation services available in multiple languages to learn more about the exact needs of our residents whose primary language is not English, and who rely on our Language Access services to interact with City services and staff.
It is important that residents, regardless of their proficiency in English, have access to City programs and services. Currently, Spanish, Khmer, and Tagalog are the most commonly requested languages through our Language Access Program. In past budget years, Vice Mayor Dee Andrews, Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, Councilmember Roberto Uranga and Councilmember Jeannine Pearce have hosted multi-lingual budget meetings with great participation and input from community members. A multi-lingual Community Budget meeting would ensure inclusivity and engagement from all our residents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impact includes costs associated with hiring translation services.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
COUNCILMEMBER ROBERTO URANGA,
SEVENTH DISTRICT
COUNCILWOMAN LENA GONZALEZ,
FIRST DISTRICT
COUNCILMEMBER JEANNINE PEARCE,
SECOND DISTRICT
VICE MAYOR DEE ANDREWS,
SIXTH DISTRICT