The Importance of Bilingual Software for Local Governments

Across the country, important conversations aren’t just happening in English — and local governments need bilingual software that all residents can use and understand to get the services they need.

President Donald Trump’s executive order on March 1, 2025, made English the official language of the United States.

Still, more and more Americans don’t speak or read English fluently. Between 1980 and 2019, the number of people who speak something other than English at home nearly tripled to 67.8 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Nearly 42 million people speak Spanish, representing a significant portion of the population in many states.

That means the 1 in 5 people who don’t speak English could be missing out on important communication and interaction with their local government.

Many other states and communities have their language expectations and regulations, and meeting these demands without the added burden of staff time spent on translation or trying to communicate requires modern tools.

Local governments can rely on the right bilingual software to bridge the language gap and provide services that are truly accessible and equal for everyone.

Why Bilingual Software Matters

When local governments adopt software to streamline services and improve efficiency, they should also seek digital tools that enhance accessibility and openness to all.

Making it easier for citizens to interact with their local officials can be a powerful way to build trust and transparency between the government and its residents.

Bilingual software can effectively prevent communication barriers and errors in critical government interactions, including the issuance of building permits, business licenses, development approvals, and inspections.

To meet today's inclusion and equity goals for public service delivery, modern software can easily offer bilingual services without requiring any additional staff or work hours.

If these language barriers aren’t fully addressed, governments are left juggling missed deadlines, poor communication, incomplete applications, and resident confusion. This can lead to more in-person visits and phone calls due to a lack of understanding — further adding to the workload of municipal departments.

Serving a Bilingual Community

Cloudpermit’s community development software is available in both English and Spanish, providing local governments across the country with a powerful means of communicating with residents. By breaking through the language barrier, municipalities can promote accessibility and better serve citizens.

Spanish-speaking residents can enjoy the same easy-to-use experience when applying for permits and licenses, and expect to receive automated status updates throughout the process.

This bilingual functionality is built in — there’s no need for custom development or time spent trying to translate conversations.

Because more residents can easily apply online and determine what they need to do to access these important government services, communities can look forward to increased public satisfaction, shorter application turnarounds, and less time spent on back-and-forth emails or phone calls.

When all community workflows are accessible in this manner, it’s a win-win for both staff and citizens.

Find Out What Bilingual Software Can Do for You

Language shouldn’t become a barrier to civic participation, especially when modern digital tools can easily solve the problem without requiring more time spent on administrative tasks.

Cloudpermit’s bilingual software for local governments helps staff and departments serve more residents — more equitably than ever before.