Spokane Municipal Code

Title 18 Human Rights

Chapter 18.11 Language Access in Municipal Proceedings

Section 18.11.020 Definitions

1. “Cultural and Linguistic Competency” means a set of behaviors, attributes and policies enabling a municipal agency or its employees to function effectively and appropriately in diverse and cross-cultural interactions and settings.

2. “Cultural awareness” is an ongoing commitment to be respectful of other cultures as equally important and relevant to our vibrant community.

3. “Department” means all City of Spokane departments and divisions, and all city boards, commissions and committees established by the City Charter or by ordinance. Where an outside entity provides services on behalf of the City and for the direct benefit of City residents, the term “Department” includes the outside entity.

4. “Language Access Program” or “LAP” means an implementation plan developed in accordance with this chapter to determine those language assistance services that are appropriate for the City of Spokane to address identified needs of the LEP populations served.

5. “LEP” means “Limited English Proficiency” as defined in this section.

6. “Limited English Proficiency” refers to the capability of an individual to speak English, and includes those who speak a language other than English or speak English less than ‘very well’ as classified by the U.S. Census.

7. “Established Language” refers to a language spoken by individuals comprising 3.5% percent, or 700 residents, whichever is fewer, of the population of persons residing in the City of Spokane. Established Languages may also include other languages as recommended by the Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion and subsequently approved by the City Council by resolution.

8. “Public Communication Materials” means digital, audio and/or hard-copy materials generated by the City of Spokane and that are intended for broad distribution to inform or educate people served by City of Spokane.

1. “Target Audience” means the individuals to whom the translated document is intended. A target audience may be identified as “primary” (people to whom messages are targeted) or “secondary” (someone with a stake in a City program or project, including key community contacts).

10. “Vital Documents” means materials that provide essential information for accessing basic city services and benefits or for which actual consequences could result if the information were not provided. Examples of vital documents may include but are not limited to:

1. 1. Emergency messages and alerts;

1. 2. Spokane Municipal Code;

1. 3. The Spokane City Charter;

1. 4. Consent forms;

1. 5. Complaint forms;

1. 6. Spokane City Council Agendas and City Council Rules;

1. 7. Business licensing or permitting forms;

1. 8. Applications for grant funds or other funding administered by the City;

1. 9. Notice of violation, infraction, or arrest, small claims documents, impound hearings, and similar documents otherwise directed to a party regarding civil or criminal proceedings;

1. 10. Notices of eligibility criteria, rights, denial, loss, or decreases in services;

1. 11. Descriptions of opportunities and applications to serve on volunteer boards, committees and workgroups;

1. 12. Notices of availability of free language assistance for City business;

1. 13. Formally adopted City administrative policies and procedures;

1. 14. Summary explanations of a Department’s services to the public; and

1. 15. The Spokane Comprehensive Plan.

Date Passed: Monday, October 16, 2023

Effective Date: Thursday, November 23, 2023

ORD C36449 Section 1