Philadelphia Establishes New City Language Access Program

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After nearly two years in development, the city of Philadelphia (13% Latino population) established a language access program that will make it easier for non-native speakers to utilize public information and services. The program, entitled Language Access Philly, will establish a “framework for city agencies to follow in order to comply with the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter.”

“Philadelphia is one of the most diverse cities in the country,” said Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney. “As residents, workers or visitors who contribute to city life, people with limited English proficiency are entitled to fair and equal access to service. This executive order will continue to move the city in the right direction of providing meaningful services to citizens across the city.”

Originally proposed in 2014, Philadelphia’s city charter requires all city agencies to have a language access plan. In his transition plan, Kenney made language for the new administration in its first year. Language Access Philly will see that all city departments designate a coordinator responsible with overseeing the development of plans. The coordinators of the program will report to the new Office of Immigrant Affairs.

“I am proud of City Council’s hard work to legislate a language access plan, of our voters’ approval of the plan, and of Mayor Kenney’s Commitment to ensuring that every city office swiftly implements the plan so that all Philadelphians can immediately access our city’s programs, services and activities,” said Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez.

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