Language Access PlanCity of Dubuque
City Council
CONSENT ITEMS # 4.
Copyrighted
May 5, 2025
ITEM TITLE: Language Access Plan
SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approval of the
language access plan in the amount of $3,600 for fiscal year
2026 to ensure all residents, regardless of their language
proficiency or ability, can access vital city services and
information.
SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Approve
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Memo Language Access Plan FY25
Page 102 of 326
THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Language Access Plan
DATE: April 28, 2025
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Chief of Equity and Human Rights Gisella Aitken-Shadle is recommending City Council
approval of the language access plan in the amount of $3,600 for fiscal year 2026 to
ensure all residents, regardless of their language proficiency or ability, can access vital
city services and information.
This plan promotes inclusivity and prevents discrimination against individuals by
providing necessary translation and interpretation services as well as accessible
services for people who have hearing or speech difficulties.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Gisella Aitken-Shadle, Chief of Equity and Human Rights
Page 103 of 326
THE CM OF
DUB E
EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Gisella Aitken-Shadle, Chief of Equity and Human Rights
SUBJECT: Language Access Plan
DATE: February 19, 2025
Dubuque
2011*2019
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to present the recommendations of the Equity and Human Rights
Department on the Language Access Plan. Having a robust language access plan ensures access
to services for individuals with limited English language proficiency, persons who are deaf, hard
of hearing or have hearing or speech difficulties to be compliant with legal requirements.
BACKGROUND
The original Language Access Plan (LAP) was created in 1999. The most recent update was in
2020. Our proposed version is much more robust and follows the examples of other cities'
plans such as those from San Jose, CA; Durham, NC; Rochester, NH; Madison, WI; San Diego, CA;
Aurora, CO; Burlington, VT.; Alburquerque, NM.
DISCUSSION
A city has a language access plan to ensure that all residents, regardless of their language
proficiency or ability, can access vital city services and information. This promotes inclusivity
and prevents discrimination against individuals by providing necessary translation and
interpretation services as well as accessible services for people who have hearing or speech
difficulties.
A basic LAP is required to be in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and
Executive order 13166 "Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English
Proficiency," as well as ADA compliance.
Having a more robust and proactive LAP sends a message that the City of Dubuque values its
diverse residents and places the importance of equity and fairness as a top priority. Having a
robust LAP guarantees that everyone can participate in civic life and access important city
functions, regardless of language barriers, or hearing, or speech difficulties. Facilitating
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communication in the language of the people of the community shows residents they are
welcome and that the City understands their needs.
BUDGET IMPACT
Last year we spent approximately $3600 on interpretation services. With the OMNIA contract, that
spend would have been $1273, a savings of 82%.
Translations:
Current
OMNIA
Contract
Contract
Spanish
$0.15
$0.15
Marshallese
& other
$0.35/word
$0.29/Word
Phone Interpretation:
Current
OMNIA
Contract
Contract
Spanish
$1.95/minute
$0.64/minute
Marshallese
& other
$1.95/minute
$0.69/minute
Translations in Spanish and most languages up to 1500 words takes 3 business days. Translations in
Marshallese and other specialized languages can take longer.
REQUESTED ACTION
I respectfully recommend the City Council approve the recommendations of the Equity and
Human Rights Department regarding the Language Access Plan and be given $3,600 for FY 26
and then analyze the need and usage to be given adequate budget increase for FY27.
Page 105 of 326