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1. What does LEP mean?

LEP means Limited English Proficiency. This is the terminology used by the federal government to describe individuals who do not speak English as a primary language and have a limited ability to read, write, speak, or understand English. Language assistance may be required with respect to a particular type of service, benefit, or encounter.

2. How does LEP apply to city departments?

LEP is imposed on federal agencies and recipients of federal financial assistance, which includes all of city government. Financial assistance includes, but is not limited to: 

• Any other federal agreement, arrangement, or other contract which as one of its purposes the provision of assistance
• The detail of federal personnel
• Grants, loans, or donations of federal property
• The sale, lease, or permission to use federal property at little or no cost

Federal laws, such as Title VI, Section 601 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Executive Order 13166 of 2000, mandate that recipients of federal financial assistance comply.

3. What does the City’s LEP Policy cover?

The City's LEP Policy includes LEP procedures, implementation, and the grievance process for any complaints from residents regarding a lack of Limited English Proficiency access to city services and/or programs.

4. What city departments are affected by the LEP Policy?

All city departments are directly or indirectly affected by the LEP Policy; however, any department that receives federal funding must be in compliance.

5. What types of LEP efforts is city government already undertaking?

To date, City efforts, under the "reasonable steps" standard, have meant providing meaningful access to Spanish-speaking LEP individuals. Such efforts include: 

• Airing a Spanish city services-based television show
• Having multi-lingual translations for the city's website
• Hiring multi-lingual employees
• Offering pay incentives to employees who learn and/or use fluent Spanish during the normal course of their work duties
• Translating documents into Spanish

Other languages are also included under the LEP Policy if a resident is unable to reasonably access City services or benefits.

6. What else should I expect from city government?

Departments must take reasonable steps to ensure meaningful access for serving limited English individuals based on the frequency of contact, nature or importance of the program, activity or service provided, and resources available.