Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor David Canepa
Supervisor Warren Slocum
Subject: Resolution adopting a Language Access Policy
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution directing the County Manager's Office to develop a Language Access Policy for the County of San Mateo.
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BACKGROUND:
At its March 28th meeting, the Board formed an ad-hoc committee consisting of Supervisors Slocum and Canepa to study the County's need to develop a Language Access Policy for its departments. Together with staff from the Office of Immigrant Support and County Counsel's office, the ad hoc committee undertook research of existing national and state law, a Countywide assessment of existing language services, and initial research into wayfinding systems for County buildings.
The committee started by researching existing federal and state law and surveying County departments to determine what language access resources exist. The survey indicated a few County departments have language access policies and many have at least one type of service geared towards language access. However, most departments noted they would like more support for additional or more robust language access services.
The survey responses and legal research informed a draft policy, which includes three main components: (1) universal signage and wayfinding; (2) spoken interpretation; and (3) written translation. These components are commonly found in other language access plans. Once a policy was drafted, staff from County departments with robust language access policies were invited to review and provide feedback.
DISCUSSION:
According to the 2009-2013 U.S. Census Data, nearly half of San Mateo County residents (46%) speak a language other than English in their homes. Collectively, the County's residents speak more than 100 different languages from across the world with the most prevalent b...
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