Multilingual Public Outreach

This glossary is designed to support jurisdiction staff as they work with translators and interpreters. It provides clear definitions of key planning, housing, transportation and community development terms translated into translated to Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, and Tagalog/Filipino. By standardizing the vocabulary across languages, the glossary helps ensure clarity, precision and equitable communication with diverse communities. 

Instructions: The easiest way to navigate the glossary is to use the built in Excel search feature (Control-F). The search function works best if users navigate to the language of their choice and then select Column A. We suggest jurisdiction staff produce a list of technical terms in English that will be used in the meeting/material and give the list and this document to their translator/interpreter.

In February 2026, ABAG hosted two full-day workshops for planners and public sector staff to learn about multilingual public outreach and language access. The workshops focused on leading effective multilingual meetings and meaningful language access using practical tools, case studies, and hands-on skill building.

Disclaimer: These materials were produced by A Simple Translation for the workshops hosted by ABAG. They have not been formally reviewed by ABAG.

In February 2026, ABAG hosted two full-day workshops for planners and public sector staff to learn about multilingual public outreach and language access. The workshops focused on leading effective multilingual meetings and meaningful language access using practical tools, case studies, and hands-on skill building.

Disclaimer: These materials were produced by A Simple Translation for the workshops hosted by ABAG. They have not been formally reviewed by ABAG.

This handbook for planning and housing staff includes checklists for incorporating language access into event planning and project management.