Key Takeaways
- New York City is expanding its use of technology to improve communication with non-English speaking communities
- The city will install language apps on over 100,000 city-owned smart devices to make city services more accessible
- The NYPD will update its Patrol Guide Policy to allow officers to use translation apps while interacting with the public
- A new app called "Hello" will be developed to help bridge language gaps in New York City Public Schools
- The city aims to make language a non-barrier to access to city services, including housing, employment, and education
Introduction to New York City’s Tech Initiative
From the very start, Mayor Eric Adams has been a tech mayor, and his administration has continually expanded its use of technology to keep New Yorkers safer, stronger, and more informed. The city has already made significant strides in this area, including linking public schools to the NYPD to respond more rapidly to school emergencies, deploying safety drones, and expanding broadband to neighbors in NYCHA. However, to be an inclusive and truly accessible city, New York City must also be the most language-friendly city on the globe. This is a global city, where hundreds of languages are spoken on every street, in every store, and on every stoop, and the city wants to make sure that, no matter what language you speak, you can communicate with your city and learn about the services you are eligible for.
Expanding Language Technologies
To achieve this goal, Mayor Adams issued a directive to city agencies to evaluate how they can further incorporate language technologies into their day-to-day interactions with the public. The city’s goal is to improve communications with all New Yorkers, including non-English speaking communities. To start, the city is planning to install language apps on all city-owned smart devices — more than 100,000 in total — to make city services more accessible to New Yorkers. This will enable residents to access city services and information in their native language, breaking down language barriers and making it easier for them to navigate life in the city.
Enhancing Public Safety and Education
The city is also making sure that this type of technology can be used to assist families and children. The NYPD will update its Patrol Guide Policy to allow officers to use translation apps while interacting with the public, giving them another tool to communicate with communities in addition to Language Line, which has been used since 1992. Furthermore, New York City Public Schools has begun development on a new app called "Hello," which will help bridge language gaps and provide real-time translation and interpretation in the top 12 languages spoken by public school families. This app will be rolled out in the spring of 2026 and will enable parents and students to communicate more effectively with teachers and school administrators.
Embracing Technology for a Better Future
There have been many dramatic developments in technology in recent years, and New York City is headed into a new era where tech will be integrated into lives in all kinds of new ways. The city wants to make sure that this technology is implemented safely and fairly, protecting New Yorkers and their privacy even as it makes it easier for New Yorkers from every corner of the globe to navigate life in the city. From finding housing and employment, to opening a small business or enrolling their children in school, language should never be a barrier to safety or access to city services. By embracing technology, the city can deliver every part of its vision more effectively — making the city safer, more affordable, and the best place to live and raise a family.
Conclusion and Future Plans
This announcement further builds on the work that the city has done to improve service delivery and make New York City government more inclusive and accessible. By expanding its use of technology and incorporating language technologies into its day-to-day interactions with the public, the city is taking a significant step towards achieving its goal of being the most language-friendly city on the globe. As the city continues to move forward in this area, it is likely that we will see even more innovative solutions to the challenges faced by non-English speaking communities, and a more inclusive and accessible city for all New Yorkers. With its commitment to using technology to improve the lives of its residents, New York City is poised to remain a leader in this area and a model for other cities around the world.
