San Francisco Language Access Ordinance 2018 Report San Francisco Language Access Ordinance 2018 | Page 6

INTRODUCTION
A Tribute to Honorable and Inspirational Leadership
services, and equal opportunities to succeed and
contribute in meaningful ways. His vision of a city
where all residents thrive regardless of their
circumstances, immigration status, or language, is
central to the work that we continue to do today.
2017 will be remembered as a tumultuous
year, beginning with the installation of a
divisive new presidential administration and
ending with the sudden passing of a beloved
mayor and civil rights advocate.
Over the past year, the discourse on immigration
devolved into racist, misogynist, and xenophobic
words and actions from our nation’s top leaders.
Yet there were still examples of inclusive
leadership in cities and states across the country.
Mayor Edwin M. Lee was the epitome of such
leadership. He invested in the economy,
affordable housing, and most important, in
people too … not just some, but all the people of
San Francisco.
Mayor Lee knew that participation begins with
having equal access to vital information and 
Mayor Lee established San Francisco as a leader
in language access. As City Administrator in 2009,
he worked with the Board of Supervisors,
community advocates, and the newly formed
Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs
(OCEIA), to amend the San Francisco Equal Access
to Services Ordinance, renaming it the Language
Access Ordinance (LAO) and significantly
strengthening its efficacy. As Mayor in 2014, he
announced the certification of Filipino as a third
required language in addition to Chinese and
Spanish. In 2015, he signed amendments to the
LAO that made San Francisco’s ordinance the
strongest, most comprehensive local language
access law in the nation. 
San Francisco’s vision of an inclusive and just
society is working. At a time when immigrant
communities live in increasing fear and
uncertainty, the City’s expanded services and
ability to communicate with and engage its
residents has never been more critical.
This is Mayor Lee’s true legacy — not a building or
a structure, but a shining example of decency,
compassion, and inclusion. 
Adrienne Pon, Executive Director
Office of Civic Engagement & Immigrant Affairs
February, 2018