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Supervisors hear annual report on San Francisco Language Access Ordinance; community groups press for more outreach
Summary
The Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs told the Government Audit and Oversight Committee that city departments are improving language services but gaps remain: OSEA reported a proposed Tier 1 language-services budget of more than $8.3 million and recommended stronger reporting, better complaint procedures and expanded outreach to underserved language communities.
San Francisco supervisors on the Government Audit and Oversight Committee heard an annual update on the city—9s Language Access Ordinance on a hearing called by Supervisor Marr, who said language access should be treated as a civil right and urged stronger citywide implementation.
The Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OSEA) director Adrienne Pan told the committee the office focuses on outreach and direct services for immigrants, limited-English-proficient (LEP) residents and vulnerable populations. "We ensure access, equality, inclusion and meaningful participation and voice in all city programs and services," Pan said, describing community ambassadors, training and a grants program that OSEA says builds local capacity.
Isis Fernandez Sykes, OSEA—9s LAO compliance officer, summarized key findings: departments named as Tier 1 in the ordinance (26 departments) generally report compliance and participate in mandatory training, but gaps remain in complaint procedures and data collection. "Fifty-four percent of Tier 1 reporting departments do not post…
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