Coding language diversity concept.
Residents of Buncombe County who speak one of ten non-English languages may soon get increased access to government services thanks to the county’s participation in a statewide language access collaborative. In 2023, Buncombe County and the housing collaborative nonprofit Poder Emma were granted $25,000 to enhance language access for residents.
The collaborative, consisting of representatives from several municipalities in North Carolina, developed a language access plan for the county, aiming to provide meaningful access to government services for non-English speakers. The plan, finalized in March, is set for implementation this month, as reported in a presentation to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
Among the top 10 languages spoken in Buncombe County, Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian are the most prevalent, highlighting the need for improved language access services in the area.
Aside from the language access plan, the county’s Board of Commissioners is considering approving the issuance of housing bonds approved by voters in the 2022 election. These bonds would fund affordable housing projects in the area.
The consent agenda for the upcoming meeting contains several items, including a design contract for a renovation project at 35 Woodfin St. and the acceptance of a grant to develop a park at the Camp Woodson property in Fairview.
The regular meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, where these agenda items will be discussed, is scheduled for April 16 at 5 p.m. in Asheville. In-person public comments will be allowed at the meeting, which will also be livestreamed on the county’s social media channels.
The county’s efforts to enhance language access and improve government services for residents who speak non-English languages demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Stay tuned for further updates on the implementation of the language access plan in Buncombe County.
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