About the data
The San Francisco Language Access Ordinance (LAO) requires City departments to submit language access data to the Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs (OCEIA) for annual analysis.
The data is self-reported by the departments' LAO liaison.
How to use the dashboard
- Navigate between the dashboards using the arrows at the bottom of the window.
- You can filter the data by department with the dropdown menu at the top right.
- To see all data or to clear your selection, select the eraser icon in the upper right corner.
San Francisco language data
View language diversity data maps on the languages people speak at home in San Francisco. These maps use the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
Key terms
San Francisco's threshold languages
The LAO requires City departments provide language access services in the following 3 languages: Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Spanish, and Filipino. These "threshold" languages are designated once the City reaches 10,000 Limited English Proficient (LEP) residents who speak a shared language.
Limited English Proficient (LEP)
This term refers to individuals who do not speak English as their primary language. They have a limited ability to read, write, or understand English.
Interpretation and translation
Interpretation is spoken; translation is written. This distinction is crucial in providing language services.
Compliance reports
View current and past Language Access Ordinance compliance summary reports .