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AI Translation Technology: Revolutionizing Language Access in Government Services

In a world increasingly characterized by multiculturalism, the need for effective communication in multiple languages has never been more pressing. According to the 2025 State of Language Access in Government report released by Wordly, the leader in real-time AI translation, there’s a clear demand for innovative solutions to support multilingual communities. While governmental entities acknowledge the necessity of inclusive communication, they are often impeded by budget constraints and logistical challenges.

The report indicates that a staggering 94% of municipalities serve communities with varied languages, yet only 11% deem their public meetings as "very inclusive." Notably, 50% of respondents cited financial limitations, while 39% highlighted logistical hurdles preventing the improvement of language access.

The Growing Demand for Multilingual Communication

Over the past few years, the landscape of communication has modified dramatically. More than 61% of municipalities reported an increase in non-native English speakers. As budgets tighten, local governments are recognizing the necessity of leveraging AI technology to meet the multilingual demands effectively and efficiently. "This isn’t merely about upgrading communications; it’s about embracing a digital transformation," said Lakshman Rathnam, Wordly’s Founder and CEO. With this transformative approach, cities can allow residents to scan a QR code to follow public meetings or access vital services in their preferred language. This innovative solution requires no special equipment or scheduling—providing instant access that is easy, scalable, and budget-friendly.

Prioritizing Inclusion and Access to Services

The report further identifies the top priorities government officials believe should be addressed to enhance language access:

• - 81% cite the necessity for access to essential public services, such as permits and passports.
• - 67% prioritize civic engagement, specifically referencing city council meetings.
• - 61% view public safety alerts and communications as critical areas for improvement.

Benefits of Inclusive Communication

Adopting measures for language access is not solely about fulfilling equality; it also serves as a strategic advantage. According to the findings, 83% of government officials believe inclusive communication can significantly strengthen collaboration among residents. Moreover, 79% understand that it can help meet legal obligations, while 70% recognize its role in attracting and retaining a diverse talent pool.

Current Trends and Opportunities

Interestingly, while 66% of governmental entities heavily rely on bilingual staff—a model that appears outdated in linguistically diverse communities—only 31% currently incorporate AI tools. This gap indicates a major opportunity for growth in the adoption of AI in governmental communication practices. Early adopters like San José, CA have replaced in-person interpreters with Wordly’s services, leading to considerable savings while vastly expanding language access. Similarly, LA County utilized Wordly during critical moments such as local wildfires to disseminate real-time public safety information.

Regional Insights and Perspectives

Evaluating the readiness of cities reveals compelling trends: 56% of larger cities (over 300,000 population) are assessing AI solutions. In contrast, 74% of mid-sized cities (50,000-299,999) regard language access as extremely important, despite facing financial and logistical challenges. Notably, 76% of smaller cities (fewer than 50,000) perceive their meetings are not inclusive.

Interestingly, the report illustrates that blue states are experiencing more linguistic diversity, whereas red states report a quicker growth rate among non-native English speakers. Despite these differences, both regions agree that inclusive communication fosters improved community collaboration.

A Call to Technology Leaders

This report serves as an essential wake-up call for government IT leaders. The future of governmental communication modernization hinges on AI-powered multilingual capabilities. Real-time translation has transitioned from a mere option to a crucial necessity for cultivating an inclusive and contemporary governance framework. To explore comprehensive insights, the full report can be accessed for download.

Research Methodology: Wordly partnered with SmartBrief / ICMA in March 2025, surveying 117 local government employees across various municipalities, from small towns to large cities. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) serve populations between 50,000 and 300,000. Focus areas included language access, multilingual communication, and the impacts of AI translation on enhancing civic engagement.

About Wordly

Wordly stands at the forefront of AI translation services, offering a secure, user-friendly, and affordable live AI translation solution that enables communication across multiple languages. Trusted by millions globally, including diverse sectors such as corporate, nonprofit, government, education, and more, Wordly aims to make meetings and events more accessible and engaging through real-time translation.

For additional information, visit www.wordly.ai.