Town Of Edgartown: Language Access: Inclusive Planning In Los Angeles

Press release from the Town of Edgartown:

10/07/2021 9:59 AM

To remove the language barriers that prevent Limited English Proficient (LEP) Spanish speakers from fully participating in the planning process, the Los Angeles Department of City Planning recently developed a Spanish Translation Style Guide standardizing the translation of public-facing materials.

According to the American Community Survey, nearly 700,000 residents — 17 percent of the city's population — identify themselves as LEP Spanish speakers. "Limited English Proficient" is the U.S. Census Bureau's term for individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English.

Regrettably, such linguistic barriers have existed throughout the history of Los Angeles — and to a broader extent, the history of the southwestern United States. Spanish-speaking communities have often been excluded from participating in conversations about the future of their neighborhoods, resulting in land use policies and zoning practices that have reinforced racial segregation, poverty, poor health outcomes, and a distrust of government.

To address this legacy of disenfranchisement, City Planning is challenging itself to redefine what it means to carry out effective engagement in Spanish-speaking communities. This is especially crucial today, when new public and private investment in formerly redlined communities is resulting in displacement and continues to spur fears of gentrification.

Continue reading this article on the APA website...

This press release was produced by the Town of Edgartown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.