Title
Resolved: That it is the sense of the City Council that In an effort to increase participation of Malden’s most diverse population groups in City government the following resolution is proposed.
Body
Whereas:
Malden is one of the most diverse cities in the United States and approximately 25-30% of its 2019 population of 62,000 describe themselves as Asian, and
Whereas:
Access to information and opportunity may be limited due to language barriers, and
Whereas:
Official City Council meetings, such as Council address only English speakers, and
Whereas:
The health and well-being of a City is enhanced when its government, leadership and decisions are reflective of individuals and population segments, and
Whereas:
Timely access to information may increase interest, involvement and leadership of all ages, talent and socioeconomic levels,
Therefore let it be resolved that:
City-sponsored, such as, but not limited to Council meetings include real-time translation in the language(s) understood by the majority of Asian residents (Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese) who are the predominant group of non-English speakers in Malden; every effort shall be made by Malden City Council to be proactive in its effort to integrate Malden’s non-English speakers into every aspect of its governance and programs.