ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – The City of Albuquerque is highlighting progress made in expanding language access across city departments, five years after the issue was formally addressed through a city resolution.
The update was shared during an event hosted by the City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs and the Albuquerque Police Department’s Language Access Division. City officials said the event brought together multiple departments and community organizations to review progress since the 2021 Language Access Resolution and to strengthen coordination going forward.
According to city officials, the effort focuses on making city services more accessible to residents who speak languages other than English. That includes providing translated materials and improving communication between residents and city departments.
Mayor Tim Keller said city services are only effective if residents can understand how to use them, adding that addressing language barriers remains an ongoing priority.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion is leading the city’s language access work. The office oversees several divisions, including population‑focused offices such as the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, the Office of Native American Affairs, the Office of Black Community Engagement, and the Office of Asian, Pacific Islander and Native American Affairs.
City officials say departments are developing and updating language access plans that outline which materials should be translated and which languages are needed to reach residents with limited English proficiency.
In 2023, the Albuquerque Police Department expanded its own language access resources to help ensure accurate communication for crime victims and others interacting with police, regardless of preferred language or immigration status.
City leaders say the work is ongoing, with continued coordination between departments and community partners to improve access to city services.
More information about language access resources is available on the City of Albuquerque and Albuquerque Police Department websites.
