Lancaster City highlights language-access work as part of Welcoming City recognition

Lancaster City Council on Tuesday received an update from the Office of Language Services about efforts to expand translation and interpretation services and support the city’s designation as a certified welcoming city.

The update, delivered by the office’s lead, summarized eight months of activity and cited an expanded mix of services — in-person interpretation at events, translation of printed and social materials, staff training and language-access consulting for other departments. “Our mission is clear. We are dedicated to ensuring that all residents have equal access to city services regardless of the language they speak,” the presenter said.

The presentation noted that 34.8% of city households speak a language other than English at home and that 28.8% of households speak Spanish. Of Spanish speakers, the presenter said, about 45.8% are limited-English proficient; the office also records requests for more than 23 other languages, including Swahili, Arabic and Haitian Creole. Councilor Hirsch remarked that the 34.8% figure means “one in every three people we run into in Lancaster City are speaking another language at home,” and commended the work.

Staff said the office supported 25 in‑person community engagements, translated more than 100 documents and social posts, and continues to see heavy use of its phone-language platform (referred to in the presentation as Propio). A preliminary staff survey reported 77% awareness of language services and use of the Propio line; 45% of staff respondents indicated they want more scenario‑based training and quick-reference guides to improve services.

Rachel Helwig of Church World Service Lancaster, speaking during public comment, thanked council and staff, described the city as a longtime welcoming place, and urged continuing support for the office’s work amid federal-level changes to refugee resettlement that have created uncertainty for local immigrant and refugee residents.

Council unanimously approved a council resolution recognizing Welcoming Week and the city’s status as a certified welcoming city. Councilors also introduced a separate resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, which the council said will be followed by a visit from the governor’s Commission on Latino Affairs at the council’s next regular meeting.

The Office of Language Services said next steps include expanded bilingual-staff training, assessment of new language-access technologies, and improved internal communications to increase staff awareness and use of services. The office also highlighted a week of events running through Sept. 17 as part of Welcoming Week.