In May 8, 2001 the City of Oakland, California, became the first city in the nation to pass an Equal Access to Services Ordinance (EAO) with the purpose of removing language barriers that limited-English speakers may have in accessing City services.

Overcoming language barriers is particularly important given the nation’s continued trend to a more multi-ethnic, multilingual population.

Full access to government is a fundamental mechanism to promote equal opportunities in America’s diverse community, in so doing Oakland strengthens a healthier society.