Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to enact new chapter 174 of the Columbus City Codes, pertaining to the requirement of language access services for residents of limited English proficiency.
The City provides programming and services that need to be accessible to all residents, from registration forms for programs, 311, and emergency services. Some city offices have instituted clear policies for providing these materials and services in other languages, as may be necessary for much of the City's New American population, which may have limited English proficiency. However, in order to ensure that Columbus is a welcoming city, it is necessary to introduce into our City Code a requirement that all city offices, based on their level of providing vital public documents and services to residents, provide some level of language access services so that our diverse immigrant, refugee, and migrant population can have the same levels of access as those with greater English proficiency. So this ordinance creates new chapter 174 to require city offices to provide these services, as are deemed necessary by each office, and to create policies that will cover such items as identifying public documents for translation, interpretation services, annual reporting, and community outreach efforts.
The City of Columbus represents and welcomes all residents, regardless of national origin, and all City offices are committed to making Columbus a city that provides opportunity for all. This ordinance continues Council's efforts to make Columbus a truly welcoming city.
Title
To enact new chapter 174 of the Columbus City Codes; to ensure language access services for persons of limited English proficiency to better interact with city government, and to declare an emergency. (AMENDED BY ORD. 3503-2022 PASSED 12/12/2022)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus represents and welcomes all residents regardless of national origin, and is committed to making Columbus a city ...
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