City of North Las Vegas to Launch AI-Powered, Real-Time Translation Software at City Council Meeting on Aug. 2

City of North Las Vegas is the first jurisdiction in Nevada, and among the first in the country, to provide real-time, AI-powered translation service to its residents

NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nev. (July 31, 2023) – The City of North Las Vegas will officially launch the translation software Wordly on Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. during the City Council and Redevelopment Agency meeting. Wordly is an AI-powered translation tool that will enable constituents to interact in real-time with the Mayor and City Council during public meetings.

Wordly works by instantly capturing a speaker’s comments and sending the translation to a participant’s mobile device via text or audio; no app download or special equipment is required. The City will first introduce Spanish translation, although Wordly is equipped to interpret more than 30 languages.

The City of North Las Vegas recognizes the diversity of its residents and adopting real-time translation software is the next step in expanding accessibility and engagement with the community’s growing Spanish-speaking population. According to the latest U.S. census, 42% of North Las Vegas residents identify as Hispanic.

“As one of the largest minority-majority cities in America, it is important for all members of our cultural diverse community to feel that their opinions are heard, regardless of what language they speak,” said Mayor Pamela Goynes-Brown. “We are proud to be the first jurisdiction in Nevada to launch a real-time, AI-powered translation service to ensure that language barriers do not hinder participation in government. Our goal is to empower our constituents to attend City Council meetings and share their thoughts and ideas directly with our city officials.”

“Growing up in North Las Vegas and the being the son of Spanish-speaking immigrant parents, I understand the need for my community to connect with government officials,” said Councilman Isaac Barron. “I’m excited that constituents will be able to participate in council meetings in Spanish. We will continue to build bridges in our community, and we hope that this innovative technology will foster greater civic engagement and participation.”

To use Wordly, meeting attendees simply scan a QR code located on the agenda and posted in the council chambers. Attendees then select Spanish from the drop down menu. If attendees would prefer to listen to the meeting, rather than read the translation on their device, we kindly ask that they bring a headset.

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