Metro Nashville officials are taking steps to address language barriers across government services, launching a comprehensive study aimed at ensuring all residents can access public resources regardless of the language they speak.
The Metro Human Relations Commission (MHRC), in partnership with the mayor’s office, has begun a Metro-wide language access assessment to better understand how departments currently provide translation and interpretation services—and where gaps remain.
The initiative builds on a 2017 report and a more recent pilot program conducted with the Tennessee Language Center. Officials say the effort has gained renewed urgency as Nashville’s population becomes increasingly diverse and as recent events have highlighted the need for timely, multilingual communication.
“It shouldn’t matter that you speak a language other than English,” said Gavin Crowell-Williamson, MHRC research analyst and Title VI coordinator. “You should still be able to receive the same level of services that someone who does speak English receives.”
The study will evaluate current language access practices across Metro departments, identify barriers for residents with limited English proficiency, and develop strategies to improve service delivery.
Officials say emergencies such as Winter Storm Fern underscored the importance of ensuring critical information is accessible in multiple languages. Rapid and accurate communication, they say, can directly impact public safety and access to resources.
The project includes both internal and community-facing components. Metro departments have already completed self-assessments examining their policies, spending and capacity for providing language services. Now, the focus is shifting to gathering feedback from residents themselves.
As part of that effort, MHRC has launched a community survey designed to capture the experiences of Nashvillians who prefer to communicate in languages other than English. The survey is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Somali, Vietnamese and others, and will remain open until officials determine they have gathered sufficient input.
“We want to understand what their experience has been like with accessing Metro Nashville services,” Crowell-Williamson said, “so that we can deliver services at a high-quality level to everyone.”
Community organizations such as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and Conexión Américas are assisting with outreach efforts, helping to distribute surveys and raise awareness through events and local networks.
Beyond translation, officials say the goal is to create a more proactive system, one where information and services are accessible from the outset—rather than requiring additional steps for non-English speakers.
The study will also explore ways to better coordinate language services across departments. Currently, Metro relies on multiple vendors, but there is no centralized system to streamline access for residents.
“Language access is not a luxury,” Crowell-Williamson said. “It’s a critical component and necessity for Metro Nashville.”
Findings from the study are expected to inform future policy recommendations and improvements aimed at creating a more inclusive and accessible government for all residents.
