San Jose Tests AI Translation Tool to Improve Access to Public Meetings

More than half of the city’s population speaks a language other than English at home, making translation services a key pillar of accessibility.

1 minute read

May 22, 2024, 12:00 PM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Glass dome at front of modern San Jose City Hall building in San Jose, California.

San Jose City Hall in San Jose, California. | Galina Barskaya / Adobe Stock

The city of San Jose is considering expanding the use of an artificial intelligence tool that is making City Council meetings more accessible to non-native English speakers, reports Julia Edinger in GovTech.

“The tool was unveiled and first used at the April 16 council meeting; it provides real-time AI transcription in more than 50 languages.” This provides a valuable service in a city like San Jose, where 57 percent of the population speaks something other than English at home. Now, the city is collecting public feedback about the service as it evaluates other potential uses, primarily other community meetings.

San Jose leads a nationwide coalition of municipal agencies that “ aims to lead responsible adoption of AI governance and use.”

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 in GovTech

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog