Planning for Implementation of New Amendments :
Planning for Implementation of New Amendments :
Language Services Budgeting
The successful implementation of the LAO amendments depends on the work of each City department . First and foremost , it is essential for each Department to ensure that it has a planned language services budget for the new threshold language ( s ) that will take effect on January 1 , 2026 . This includes planning for interpretation in the new language ( s ), as well as the translation of all vital materials , including forms , applications , information about outreach events , and anything that affects the rights , benefits , duties and / or privileges of an LEP individual .
Without a proper budget , Departments may struggle to meet the need , which can create barriers to crucial services and information . A well-planned language services budget will enable each City department to proactively address these challenges , ensuring equity , compliance , and effective communication with all residents .
Training City Staff
Training City staff about the LAO and its new amendments is imperative to ensuring that City departments are in compliance and ready to provide services to members of the public . OCEIA hosts an annual language liaison training for City departments and provides various capacity-building tools . These include style guides , best practices for interpretation , guidelines for identifying vital information , accurate data collection methods , and instructions on submitting the annual data compliance report .