The City of Reno is developing a Language Access Plan (LAP), guided by Assembly Bill 266, to improve access to government services, programs, and information for individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP). The City is inviting residents to provide feedback in various ways, including a survey and public meetings:
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Language Access Survey: A brief survey has been developed to gather insights into language needs and preferences. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Filipino Language/Tagalog, and Mandarin, and can be accessed online.
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Public Community Meetings: Staff provided updates at meetings in April and more are scheduled for May. These meetings will provide an overview of the Language Access Plan, the development process, and how members of the public can further engage. April 18, 2024: Ward 4 Neighborhood Advisory Board
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April 23, 2024: Reno Access Advisory Committee
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May 7, 2024: Ward 3 Neighborhood Advisory Board
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May 13, 2024: Ward 1 Neighborhood Advisory Board
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May 14, 2024: Ward 5 Neighborhood Advisory Board
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May 21, 2024: Ward 2 Neighborhood Advisory Board
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May 30, 2024: Reno Human Rights Commission
There will also be a joint community meeting with Washoe County on Wednesday, May 22 at the Sierra View Library inside Reno Town Mall from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Community members will have the chance to review the draft plans and provide feedback before the plan is finalized.
“These meetings are opportunities for community members to engage in the process and help shape the new plan,” said Cynthia Esparza, Chief Equity and Community Relations Officer. “The Language Access Plan will be an aspirational roadmap to ensure more members of our community can fully engage with municipal resources.”
Over the last several years, the City has developed and prioritized other language access services and public accessibility through various initiatives, including bilingual communication efforts, bi/multilingual staff support, contracts for translations, interpretation, and American Sign Language (ASL) services, and integrated technology such as UbiDuo 3 devices and upcoming future additions. The new LAP will build upon these existing efforts while identifying language gaps and proposing recommendations to expand language services.
Reno City Council will vote and potentially adopt the final plan in June 2024.
For more information on the Language Access Plan and upcoming events, please visit Reno.Gov/Community/Language-Access or contact the City of Reno’s Office of Community Engagement.
