Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Language Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council votes to expand language access at meetings; Spanish interpretation funded in budget
Summary
The council approved an item to advance multilingual access at city meetings and members noted Spanish interpretation services funded in the budget are now available; members requested broader language coverage and simulcast options for broadcasts.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to support expanded language-access services at council meetings and to implement on-call Spanish translation funded in the adopted budget, while members urged wider multilingual services for residents who do not speak English.
Councilmember Garcetti called the item special to highlight language accessibility and noted that in his district more than 22 languages are spoken. “I think that we need to strengthen that not only as a body here, but throughout the city and really look at ways in making sure that we do have not just a bilingual city, but a multilingual city,” Garcetti said.
Councilmember Galanter confirmed that funds for on-call Spanish translation were included in the budget adopted in June and introduced Juan Lafarga, who the council identified as the interpreter available during meetings; Lafarga explained that interpreters and earphones will be available at the agenda desk for attendees who request assistance.
Garcetti also suggested exploring Spanish simulcasts of the televised proceedings to extend access beyond the chamber.
The council approved the item on a roll call (14 ayes). Members said staff should implement the funded Spanish translation services immediately and pursue steps to broaden language services across city commissions and broadcasts.
Action recorded: item approved; on-call Spanish interpretation services confirmed as funded and available; council requested staff to explore further multilingual and broadcast accessibility measures.
