LYNN — In an effort to improve language accessibility at City Hall, translators have been helping facilitate connections between non-English speaking residents and the city government.
Alan Juarez has been living in Lynn for seven years and is the city’s first full-time Spanish interpreter. He cited the fact that Spanish speakers make up about 46% of the Lynn population, which creates a “big need” for translators to help residents navigate City Hall more effectively and comfortably.
Juarez is also joined by Jules Metellus, a Haitian Creole translator, in the city’s effort to make City Hall more accessible.
“You’re always welcome [at City Hall],” Juarez said, regardless of language or culture.
“City Hall is really looking to be a place for all its constituents,” Juarez said. “It lets our community know, ‘Look, we are listening to you … We do see you, we do hear you, and we’re doing everything we can to be able to facilitate [information] to you.’”
Juarez said one of his favorite parts of the job was getting the opportunity to serve his community every day.
Mayor Jared Nicholson also touched on the city’s efforts to improve language accessibility in government.
“Providing interpreter services is another means of making City Hall more accessible and user-friendly for those who visit. We want to ensure that when people come here they can be helped regardless of the language they speak,” he said. “Helping make sure everyone can access and understand their rights and responsibilities as residents ultimately improves the community experience for all.”
