Supervisors hear gaps in language-access implementation, file hearing; advocates seek $22.9M plan

SAN FRANCISCO — The Budget and Appropriations Committee on May 21 heard updates on the city’s implementation of recent amendments to the Language Access Ordinance (Ordinance No. 116-24) and filed the hearing after public testimony and presentations by the Budget and Legislative Analyst (BLA) and the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OSEA).

The hearing, called by Supervisor Shamone Walton and chaired by Supervisor Connie Chan, focused on whether city departments are meeting new requirements adopted in 2024 that expand translation, interpretation and emergency-language services and lower the threshold for designating required languages. After presentations and public comment, the committee voted to file the record. Supervisor Walton moved to file the hearing; Chair Chan seconded. The roll call vote was 4–0 (Engardio, Walton, Chen, Chan) in favor.

The BLA’s presentation to the committee estimated current, reported annual language-access spending at about $15.1 million for fiscal year 2022–23 and presented department‑by‑department estimates of the additional costs created by the 2024 amendments. Fred Russo of the BLA summarized the office’s figures: “for fiscal year 2022–23, the total reported was $15,100,000,” and the BLA estimates first‑year costs from the 2024 amendments at about $5,600,000 (comprised of $3,500,000 in one‑time costs and $2,100,000 in ongoing costs). Supervisor Walton and community advocates framed the BLA figure differently as part of a larger funding request: the committee heard proponents urge a $5,800,000 increase this year as part of a total $22,900,000 package to implement new language rights across departments.

OSEA…