Hey there, GVP listeners, it’s Michelle. In our latest episode, we dive into an accessibility initiative that’s redefining how local governments can connect with their diverse communities. I had a talk with Bryan Harley, Executive Director of the Community Media Access Collaborative (CMAC) in Fresno, California, to talk about their work in launching multilingual audio services for city council meetings.
Bryan and his team are making strides in ensuring that Fresno’s government meetings are inclusive, accessible, and relevant to their residents—and this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.
A Game-Changer for Government Access
When it comes to making government meetings accessible to all residents, providing multilingual audio services is a critical step forward. During our conversation, Bryan shared how CMAC identified the need for multilingual access in the City of Fresno’s diverse community and worked across city departments to bring this initiative to life. It’s a great example of how local governments can proactively address accessibility gaps to better serve their residents.
By offering real-time audio translations during city council meetings, Fresno ensures that residents who speak different languages can stay informed and engaged with local government decisions. The move doesn’t just comply with ADA and DOJ accessibility regulations, but also reinforces Fresno’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Workflows and Partnerships
Bryan detailed the technical setup and interdepartmental collaboration required to make multilingual audio services a reality. From integrating advanced audio equipment to coordinating with translators, CMAC’s approach offers a blueprint for other cities looking to enhance their accessibility offerings affordably.
Bryan also discussed how CMAC’s experience as a nonprofit operating PEG channels and making media tools available to the community played a pivotal role in executing this initiative. With a history of producing high-quality government media, their team was well-equipped to tackle the challenges of adding multilingual capabilities.
But it’s not just about the technical solutions—CMAC’s success also illustrates the importance of buy-in from city leadership and collaboration with community organizations. These partnerships were key to making the project impactful and sustainable.
Expanding Resident Services
These days, residents expect more from their city’s digital platforms—and the City of Fresno is setting a new standard for what’s possible when accessibility is prioritized. But accessible city council meetings are just the beginning. During our talk, Bryan highlighted how this initiative is part of a broader strategy to make all government media more inclusive. From live streaming to on-demand content, CMAC is leveraging technology to ensure that residents have access to information, regardless of language or ability.
Fresno’s initiative also underscores the value of adopting scalable solutions. By prioritizing multilingual accessibility now, they’re paving the way for broader applications in other government services, from emergency communications to community outreach programs.
Why This Matters for Your City
This week’s episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to better connect to their community by improving media workflows for government and expanding the reach of municipal services. If you’re working in municipal IT, AV, or video production, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you kickstart or improve accessibility initiatives in your city.
Accessibility is more than a compliance box to check; it’s an opportunity to build trust, transparency, and engagement with your community. And with federal regulations becoming stricter, now is the time to invest in solutions that make your city’s services more inclusive. Cities that prioritize accessibility now are not only meeting legal requirements but also setting the bar for resident engagement.
Tune in to hear Bryan’s full story, including the behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs of launching Fresno’s multilingual audio initiative. From understanding the importance of multilingual services to learning how to collaborate across departments, CMAC’s journey offers valuable lessons for any local government team.
Share the Inspiration
If you’re as inspired as I am, don’t keep it to yourself! Share this episode with your colleagues, friends, and networks. Spreading the word can help more people discover innovative solutions like Fresno’s multilingual audio initiative.
Hit the share button on your favorite podcast platform or post a link on your professional networks. Plus, leave a comment or tag us on social media to keep the conversation going. Let’s collaborate to make government media more inclusive and accessible for everyone.
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