New York City Rolls Out Translation Apps to Bridge Language Gaps

On Monday, Mayor Eric Adams directed city agencies to explore ways to enhance outreach and engagement with all residents, including those who do not speak English, through the use of language technology.

Under this initiative, the city plans to equip over 100,000 city-owned devices with translation apps to make municipal services more accessible. The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation will assist agencies in downloading and utilizing tools such as Google Translate and Apple’s built-in Translate app.

“To get this started, we want every city-owned smart device to have language apps like Google Translate readily available,” Adams said.

The New York City Police Department is also updating its communication practices. The NYPD Patrol Guide Policy is being revised to allow officers to use translation apps when interacting with the public, a move supported by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

“Clear communication is critical for public safety,” Tisch explained. “Our officers engage with residents who speak many different languages, often in urgent situations. Access to real-time translation tools helps officers respond effectively and serve the community better.”

In addition, New York City Public Schools is developing a new app called Hello to help bridge language gaps. The app will provide real-time translation and interpretation in the 12 most common languages spoken by families in the school system, using speech-to-text and text-to-speech technology.

“Every day, our schools work closely with families to provide a high-quality education and essential support for students,” said NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “Parents and families are key partners in the success of our students. Strong communication between families and schools ensures that our students can thrive.”

The Hello app is expected to launch in spring 2026.