The City of San José is adding Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation, which will be available at all San José City Council and Council Committee meetings, both in person and virtually.
Approximately 57 percent of San José residents speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish and Vietnamese being among the most common.
Given this, the city recognized the critical need for linguistic equity, so it committed to integrating language access practices throughout the organization.
Adding interpreters to every City Council and Council Committee meeting, the city said in a statement, will improve access for non-English speakers, as well as dialogue and engagement between City Council and residents.
“The investment to provide Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation at Council meetings will open the door to civic engagement for residents across our city,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “I want to thank those in my office and other Council offices who stepped up to provide support to those trying to make their voices heard as the City Clerk's Office worked to fill this gap in access.”
Sandra Muñoz Deras Fair Workplace Collaborative, said that as a Spanish speaker who had to wait for interpretation at a previous meeting, she is grateful that the city has introduced this service and hopes to be a more active participant in future meetings.
"The city now provides interpretation services at no cost to the public," explained Toni Taber, city clerk. “Access to interpretation is part of ensuring we operate as an equitable and inclusive city.”
The City Council meets most Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in the San José City Council Chamber or by Zoom.
Meanwhile, the Council Committees meet once a month:
- The Community and Economic Development Committee (CED) meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
- The Neighborhood Education and Services (NSE) Committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m.
- The Public Safety, Finance and Strategic Support (PSFSS) Committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1:30 p.m.
- Does the Transport and Environment (T&E) Committee meet on the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m.?
Meeting participants can access interpretation services via the Zoom link or at the meeting location.
However, interpretation in other languages, including American Sign Language, must be requested by email to the City Clerk's office (city.clerk@sanjoseca.gov) at least four days before the meeting.
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