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In 2025, language access isn’t a side initiative. It’s a core part of how governments build trust, engage communities, and deliver essential services.
Yet many local agencies still struggle to meet the needs of residents who don’t speak English as a first language. From public safety alerts to city council meetings, too many interactions fall short of being inclusive, and the gap is growing.
That’s why we launched the 2025 State of Language Access in Government Agencies report. We surveyed over 100 local government professionals across 30+ states to better understand the evolving challenges and opportunities in government interpretation.
According to the report:
There’s a growing awareness that language equity matters, but many agencies are still relying on outdated methods or under-resourced teams to keep up.
The report explores five key barriers local agencies are facing in delivering inclusive, multilingual communication:
50% of respondents said cost is the #1 reason they haven’t expanded language access tools.
39% struggle with the logistics of managing live interpretation and translations with limited staff or resources.
Two-thirds of municipalities depend on bilingual employees. Scalable tools like AI interpreters and translation software remain underused.
Only 1 in 5 agencies identified staff training as a key objective for improving engagement with non-English speakers or those who are hard of hearing.
62% of local governments say their meetings are either “low” or “not at all” inclusive for non-native English speakers.
Despite the challenges, agencies overwhelmingly agree on the value of improving government interpretation:
Better interpretation isn’t just about accessibility, it’s about accountability, engagement, and delivering on the promise of equitable service.
Traditional interpretation models can’t scale to meet modern needs, but AI can.
With platforms like Wordly, governments can offer real-time translation and live interpretation across 60+ languages — no booths, no extra equipment, no delays.
This isn’t just a research report — it’s a call to action. If your government agency is ready to make communication more inclusive, here’s where to start:
Begin by documenting how your agency currently supports multilingual communities. Many still depend on informal solutions like bilingual employees or static translations, which are difficult to scale.
An internal audit helps identify coverage gaps, inefficiencies, and opportunities to introduce more consistent and scalable government interpretation practices.
Next, focus on improving the programs and services where language barriers cause the greatest friction. Civic meetings, public hearings, and community outreach efforts often lack language inclusive support.
Similarly, emergency alerts, safety notices, and essential services must be accessible to all residents. These high-stakes areas were identified by over 80% of surveyed municipalities as top priorities for improving language access.
Lastly, explore automated solutions that can support multilingual communication in real-time.
Technology now makes it possible to deliver language access without heavy infrastructure or staffing overhead. AI-powered government interpretation platforms offer secure, scalable options for live translation and captioning — making it easier for agencies to expand access, reduce costs, and serve their communities more effectively.
Language access isn’t just a technical issue — it’s a key part of making government fair and inclusive for everyone.
When agencies invest in modern government interpretation, they do more than meet compliance requirements. They foster stronger civic engagement, build trust across diverse communities, and ensure that essential information reaches everyone, regardless of language.
By prioritizing inclusive communication, government leaders position themselves at the forefront of accessibility, transparency, and service innovation.
Download the full 2025 State of Language Access in Government Agencies Report.
What is government interpretation?
Government interpretation refers to the real-time translation of spoken communication during public meetings, events, or services. It ensures that all residents, regardless of the language they speak, can understand and participate in civic life.
Why is government interpretation important?
Without it, non-native speakers may miss essential information or be excluded from public services and decisions. Effective interpretation helps agencies build trust, improve transparency, and engage more residents in meaningful ways.
How are government agencies using AI interpretation today?
Agencies are using AI interpretation to support live translation during city council meetings, community forums, webinars, and emergency briefings. These tools make it easier to offer multilingual access in real time, without the complexity of scheduling live interpreters.
How can AI improve interpretation in government settings?
AI tools can provide real-time translation and captions across many languages, without the need for onsite interpreters or special equipment. This makes it easier and more affordable for government agencies to support inclusive communication.
Is AI interpretation accurate and secure enough for public use?
Yes. Leading AI platforms are designed to meet high standards for accuracy, privacy, and accessibility. Many local governments are already using them to expand access and serve multilingual communities more effectively.
Want to see how Wordly works for your agency? Schedule a quick demo and explore how real-time AI translation can make your meetings and services more inclusive.
