Chandler City Council approves multi-language translation technology

PHOENIX — The Chandler City Council approved a contract for multi-language translation technology services and support, according to a press release on Tuesday.

The city approved a one-year contract with TranslateLive, LLC, which will provide devices that enable real-time, on-demand conversations in more than 200 languages and dialects both in-person and remotely.

With this contract, 20 desktop devices will be placed in high-traffic locations, such as the City Clerk’s office, Chandler Municipal Court, municipal utilities, libraries and police records. Also, five portable devices will be used in the field, allowing city staff to have the flexibility to assist residents directly in the community.

In September 2023, Chandler launched a six-month pilot program to test instant language translation devices, where the goal was to see if this technology could remove communication barriers and improve customer service.

During the pilot, four devices were circulated across 10 city departments and divisions, resulting in 560 interactions. Spanish was the most frequently used language, representing over 50% of these interactions.

English was the second most frequently used, and there were only two ASL (American Sign Language) interactions. The city will continue promoting this service to increase awareness of this feature for those who could benefit from it.