Our approach to language accessibility
The coUrbanize Language Equity Plan
Our Language Equity Plan ensures inclusive engagement and meaningful access to information for all projects on coUrbanize. The goal: ensuring that people who do not speak English as their primary language can fully participate in the community engagement process.
How it works
A language meets the Language Threshold for translation when at least 5% of the population in the project’s zip code or Census tract speaks that language at home, as determined by most recently available US Census American Community Survey estimates. A similar method is applied for Canadian projects using a project’s aggregate dissemination area and Census tract. We may also include additional languages based on the discretion of our community engagement team.
This means that the coUrbanize platform and all printed materials used to promote coUrbanize (SMS text messaging signs, door hangers, mailers) will be translated into the threshold languages for that project as part of the standard package – aka with no additional cost.
In some densely populated urban areas, these Language Thresholds may not meet community language needs, so our team will curate a unique plan to meet the language access needs for those projects
The technology
coUrbanize’s translation services use a combination of human and machine translations, including the premium DeepL Translator for supported languages. This combination enables accurate, yet affordable, translation options.
“In line with our mission to give all local residents a voice in what developers and municipalities are planning, we wanted to remove language barriers. The higher the percentage of residents who can weigh in on projects that affect their neighborhoods, the more successful the project outcomes.”
Karin Brandt
Founder and CEO of coUrbanize
