Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 1:44 p.m.
During the Monday night Legislative Session, Spokane City Council voted unanimously on ordinance C36630 relating to language access and recruiting bilingual and multilingual applicants to the City of Spokane. This ordinance helps to establish policies and procedures that will improve the recruitment of applicants fluent in multiple languages.
“As a Council Member, I’ve championed language access throughout city government because transparency is the bedrock of trust and good governance,” said Council Member Michael Cathcart. “Expanding access gives every constituent a clear, unfiltered view of what’s happening and the power to hold leaders accountable. My district is Spokane’s most diverse, with many residents who aren’t proficient in English—yet they deserve the same opportunity to participate, engage, and stay informed. While implementing these policies has been exceedingly slow, I’m proud to support this language recruitment ordinance as another key step toward achieving these vital principles.”
"As our city continues to grow and diversify, our workforce must reflect the rich cultural tapestry of our community," said Council Member Paul Dillon. "By enhancing our recruitment policies, we are not only promoting diversity but also ensuring that all residents have access to vital city services in a language they understand."
The newly adopted policies will streamline the recruitment process for bilingual or multilingual candidates, making it easier for them to apply and be recognized for their valuable language skills. This ordinance is intended to improve communication between the city and its diverse residents, fostering a greater understanding and connection within the community.
"Language should never be a barrier to accessing city services," Council Member Lili Navarrete added. "Today, we take a significant step toward breaking down those barriers."
The ordinance will compel the City’s Civil Services to promote vacant positions through targeted recruitment efforts, implementing strategies to actively seek out bilingual and multilingual candidates through direct partnerships with local organizations.
About the Spokane City Council
The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Spokane, which is home to more than 229,000 people and is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. The City’s 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit SpokaneCity.org/CityCouncil/ and follow us @SpokaneCityCouncil on Facebook.
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