San Francisco Immigrant Rights Commission prioritizes Vietnamese language access in city services

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on enhancing language access for the city's diverse population. The session began with a presentation by Director Evas, who outlined the resource needs identified for potentially adding Vietnamese as a language option in city services. Evas emphasized the collaboration with the central office of the city administrator and the mayor's office to address these needs effectively.

Following the presentation, Celine Kennelly, chair of the Immigrant Rights Commission, provided closing remarks. Kennelly highlighted the commission's longstanding commitment to language access, tracing its advocacy back to the Language Access Ordinance initiated in 2001. She noted that despite the ordinance, challenges remain in ensuring all residents can access vital city services, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kennelly pointed out that many residents struggled to obtain critical information regarding COVID testing, vaccinations, and financial assistance during the crisis. In response, the commission has implemented a three-part strategy aimed at improving language access. This includes holding special hearings with community members to identify gaps in the current language access law and gathering ongoing feedback to inform future improvements.

The meeting underscored the city's dedication to inclusivity and the ongoing efforts to enhance communication and service delivery for all San Franciscans, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. The Immigrant Rights Commission plans to continue its engagement with the community to refine and advance its recommendations.