[lg policy] Houston: Mayor Parker signs language access executive order

[Harold Schiffman]

 Mayor Parker signs language access executive
order<http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/mayor-parker-signs-language-access-executive-order/article_7b2310a8-a404-5e82-871f-f3e26a4b4551.html?mode=story>

Posted: Wednesday, July 31, 2013 11:32 pm

By Submitted <examinernews at hcnonline.com>

Houston Mayor Annise Parker today signed an Executive Order (EO)
establishing a policy to improve the delivery of services to Houston’s
diverse population. EO No. 1-17 addresses the language barriers that many
Houston residents face in accessing essential public information and
services in the areas of public safety, health services and economic
development.

“Whether it is to help plan for a hurricane or ways to reduce the
possibility of becoming a crime victim, all Houstonians should have access
to vital information that the City provides,” said Mayor Parker. "This
executive order will bridge the access gap by making it easier for
residents with limited English proficiency to obtain essential public
information and services.”
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Over the next 60 days, all departments that provide essential services
directly to the public will designate a language access coordinator charged
with overseeing the development of a language access implementation plan.
City departments are to complete their respective implementation plans
within six months. The Office of International Communities (OIC), a
division of the Department of Neighborhoods, will oversee and coordinate
the planning process.

The language access order calls for the translation of essential public
information into five languages other than English for which there is the
greatest need among Houston residents. OIC will conduct a data-driven
language needs assessment, working closely with City departments,
international community leaders and stakeholders and university-based
experts to identify the five languages that will be adopted into the plan.
OIC will assist city departments in the provision of language access
services to the public.

The language access executive order is aligned with Mayor Parker’s
commitment to strengthening the city’s economy and improving the quality of
life for all Houstonians.

“We are the most diverse city in the country,” said Parker. “That means we
are a community of many languages. This executive order challenges us to
better serve our constituency, our global business community and visitors.
It’s a step toward making Houston one of the most inclusive cities in the
world.”

For more information, contact OIC at 832-393-0855 or visit
www.houstontx.gov/oic.
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/mayor-parker-signs-language-access-executive-order/article_7b2310a8-a404-5e82-871f-f3e26


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