DEPARTMENT: Government & Public Affairs
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jeff Coyle
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT: Spanish Translation Services
SUMMARY:
A briefing on the City's efforts to enhance Spanish translation services in City business services.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The FY 2017 Adopted Budget encompasses several measures to enhance the City of San Antonio's current Spanish translation efforts to engage the Spanish-speaking community in all City business, policies and events.
The City currently offers several Spanish translation services including Spanish language interpreters at City Council A and B Sessions, the translation of the City's website with the use of Google Translate, Spanish translation of essential documents such as the annual Budget Highlights and the Bond Information Guide. The City also provides a Spanish interpreter at all Development Services Boards and Commissions meetings and employs a full-time interpreter in Municipal Court. Additionally, more than 1,600 City employees who conduct face-to-face business with the public are fluent in Spanish and are able to assist non-English speaking customers.
The FY 2017 Budget included the development of a comprehensive strategy to expand the current level of Spanish translation and interpretation services provided by the City. Under this strategy, each department that interacts directly with the public will be required to establish a Spanish translation services plan based on the department's specific needs and functions. The Adopted Budget also adds a full-time position who will oversee the City's Spanish translation services strategy and manage on-site interpretation services at all City Council meetings. In addition, funding was included to translate all City Council A and B Session meeting agenda packets, as well as selected City news releases.
The Department is in the process of hiring a Public Engagement Officer (PEO) who will oversee development of the organization-wi...
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