Mayor Eric Adams has issued a directive instructing city agencies to incorporate language technologies into their services. Over 100,000 city-owned smart devices are planned to receive language apps, according to a statement from the Mayor's office, as part of an effort to enhance accessibility for New Yorkers. The city will begin by equipping each city-owned smart device with language applications, such as Google Translate, the statement said.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) and New York City Public Schools are also participating in the initiative, with the NYPD updating its policy to encourage officers to use these translation tools, and the school system developing a custom app to address language gaps, expected to launch in spring 2026. "Clear communication is essential to public safety," NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, noting the tools’ role in effective law enforcement. The city's language accessibility efforts extend beyond policing: NYC311 offers support in over 175 languages, and the MyCity platform connects residents to services in the ten most commonly spoken languages, the Mayor's office stated.
The Adams administration aims to enhance inclusion and accessibility by addressing barriers and improving communication with the city’s 2 million residents with limited English proficiency. Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy, who grew up in an immigrant community, highlighted the importance of the effort “for government to speak to every person, with every tool, in every language,” the Mayor's office reported. The New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) is expected to provide support for the broad implementation of these tools.
This language initiative is part of Mayor Adams’ broader technology strategy to make city government more accessible and responsive, including investments in emergency services and expanded internet access across New York City. Programs include the “Liberty Link” initiative, which provides affordable internet to low-income residents, and a dedicated public safety account on Citizen to keep communities informed. “By putting language technologies at the fingertips of more than 100,000 public sector workers, the city is significantly expanding its ability to deliver the services and support that non-English speaking New Yorkers deserve,” New York City Chief Technology Officer Matthew C. Fraser said in a statement from the Mayor's office. The NYPD’s patrol guidelines for interactions with “Limited English Proficient Persons” have also been updated to incorporate technology alongside human translation, ensuring language does not create a barrier to safety or access to city services.
