Looking Forward
Language Access in a COVID-19 Recovery Period
In April 2020 , Mayor London N . Breed and Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee created the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force ( Task Force ) to respond to the urgent needs of San Francisco ’ s workers , businesses , organizations , and vulnerable populations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic . Co-chaired by San Francisco Assessor-Recorder and incoming City Administrator Carmen Chu , San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros , Rodney Fong , President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce , and Rudy Gonzalez , Executive Director of the San Francisco Labor Council , AFL-CIO , the 100-member Task Force was comprised primarily of members of the public . The Task Force was charged with guiding the City ’ s COVID-19 recovery efforts to sustain and revive local businesses and employment , mitigate the economic hardships affecting the most vulnerable San Franciscans , and help build a resilient and equitable future . Leveraging the ideas and creativity of San Francisco ’ s diverse communities , the Task Force sought out the perspectives of underrepresented populations through the Community Engagement and Listening team to amplify the voices of community members disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 .
Specific insights about Limited English Proficient ( LEP ) and immigrant communities included :
The need for culturally responsive , timely , accessible , and concise information and guidance for small business owners and residents , particularly those with language and technology barriers . Increasing digital literacy and updating tools to bridge the digital divide for many vulnerable populations , including seniors , people with disabilities , parents and students , non-English monolingual speakers , and small business owners . Culturally competent , in-language communications and solutions are essential . The need to invest in Black , Indigenous and people of color ( BIPOC ) and immigrant communities .
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