LAO Resolution : Key Changes
LAO Resolution : Key Changes
In 2024 , the Board of Supervisors also passed a resolution to enhance language access implementation .
Key initiatives included : Translation of the language access complaint form into the top 20 languages
Development of best practices for recruiting and retaining bilingual staff
Expansion of community employment opportunities and establishment of a community language bank , a network of trained community-based interpreters and translators that can increase capacity for language services
Creation of benchmarks for Departmental investment in language access services , based on factors such as Department size , service types , and number of Limited English Proficient ( LEP ) clients
THRESHOLD LANGUAGES EMERGING LANGUAGES
Departments are required to translate vital information into the threshold languages .
The three threshold languages are currently Spanish , Chinese , and Filipino .
Under the LAO , a “ threshold language ” in San Francisco is a language population that has at least 10,000 or more Limited English Proficient ( LEP ) persons .
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Departments are encouraged to translate information for emerging language populations .
The LAO defines “ emerging language populations ” as any new or smaller language population that is at least 2.5 % of persons who share a primary language other than English , or for whom there are
2 identified language access needs .
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San Francisco Administrative Code , Sec . 91.1 ( b )( 7 ). As of January 1 , 2026 , this number will change to 6,000 or more LEP
persons . San Francisco Administrative Code , Sec . 91.2 .
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