Let’s face it, local governments are being squeezed from all sides. Budgets are shrinking. Hiring is harder. And yet the demand for services keeps growing. On top of that, cities are serving increasingly diverse communities where dozens of languages may be spoken across households, schools, and businesses. So, how do you keep up without burning out staff or breaking the bank?
One solution that’s gaining momentum is real-time AI translation. We all know that language access isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential. Around 68 million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English at home, and more than 25 million have limited English proficiency. When residents can’t understand emergency alerts, public health information, or what’s being said in a city council meeting, they’re not just left behind, they’re shut out. But expanding translation services has always been expensive. That’s where the game is changing.
When Budget Says No, AI Says Yes
In the Wordly 2025 State of Language Access in Local Government report, nearly 50% of municipalities cited budget constraints as the biggest barrier to providing language support. And it’s no surprise that traditional interpretation services are costly and nearly impossible to scale across every department or public touchpoint.
This is where AI is really starting to make a difference. AI translation gives cities and counties real-time language support without the high cost of traditional interpreters. Places like Washoe County, Los Angeles County, and San Jose are already seeing significant results, all while reaching more people in more languages. And because the technology runs on everyday laptops and phones, there’s no need for pricey AV equipment or complicated tech upgrades. It’s simple, scalable, and budget-friendly.
Real Results, Right Now
And this isn’t theoretical. It’s happening right now, with measurable results:
Cities are also using AI for employee onboarding, permitting desks, one-to-one customer service, and even field work like animal services, where staff need quick, clear communication with residents who speak different languages.
Final Thought: Equity Without Tradeoffs
What makes AI translation so powerful is that it scales. Whether you’re supporting two languages or twenty, the cost is the same. That puts professional-grade language access within reach for small cities and rural counties, not just big metros.
In tough economic times, cities need tools that work while saving time and money. AI translation checks all three boxes. It improves access, reduces staff burden, and makes it possible to serve every resident, not just the ones who speak English fluently.
The bottom line is that AI translation isn’t just a tech trend. It’s a smart, budget-friendly strategy for governments trying to do more with less, without sacrificing service or equity.
About the Author
Dave Deasy is the CMO of Wordly, a leader in real-time AI translation and captioning. Used by over 4 million people in 60+ languages, Wordly helps governments and organizations create more inclusive meetings, services, and events.
