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Immigrant Engagement

Overview

Immigrant Engagement

Resources and case stories to support the engagement of immigrant communities in local public engagement efforts.

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Immigrant Engagement in the Silicon Valley

The Institute for Local Government has partnered with cities and counties in the Silicon Valley to address the needs of immigrants and refugees who make up one third of the population. In addition to highlighting our work in the region, this handout lists CA State Legislation that protects immigrant rights and outlines emerging issues of concern including Census 2020 and the Public Charge Law.

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Leaders Learn Together at Immigrant Engagement and Integration Multi-Sector Convening

Leaders Learn Together at Immigrant Engagement and Integration Multi-Sector Convening

Over 100 leaders participated in the Institute for Local Government’s Immigrant Engagement and Integration Multi-Sector Bay Area Convening in September 2017 where city managers, public information officers, analysts and others shared their successes and lessons learned. A key theme was the role of partnership with community based organizations in supporting this work.

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Language Access Laws and Legal Issues: A Local Official’s Guide

The Language Access Guide explains the laws that require language access to ensure that limited English-proficient residents have access to public services and an opportunity to participate in public life.

Language Access Laws and Legal Issues: A Local Official's Guide

The Language Access Checklists are a companion to the guide, which include: tips on providing language access; conducting a self-assessment; implementing an ordinance; implementing best practices with no ordinance and addressing common challenges. 

Language Access Checklists

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Videos Highlight Importance of Inclusive Public Engagement

Videos Highlight Importance of Inclusive Public Engagement

Why is immigrant engagement and integration important? Check out these three videos to hear from Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and ILG’s 2016-17 Board Chair Henry Gardner to learn more about: community engagement and cultural competency, the importance of increasing equity and welcoming communities, and the specifics of Oakland’s language access efforts.

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Immigrants, the Economy and Civic Engagement

Immigrants are a critical part of the economy in California, which is home to over 10 million foreign-born residents who contribute $715 billion — about one third — of its gross domestic product each year. These individuals comprise 35 percent of the state’s civilian workforce. Their entrepreneurialism and innovative efforts are a driving force from Silicon Valley to the Central Valley and beyond. Immigrants work in enterprises that span Fortune 500 companies and small Main Street businesses revitalizing downtown corridors throughout the state.

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Ten Ideas to Encourage Immigrant Engagement
A Tipsheet for Local Officials

A tip sheet that provides ideas drawn from cities and counties throughout California on ways to more successfully engage immigrant residents.

Ten Ideas to Encourage Immigrant Engagement

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Local Governments Engaging Immigrants – Strategies that Work

Effective immigrant participation and integration helps build stronger and  more successful communities. Local governments in California are using a variety of methods to create and participate in local, regional and national immigrant integration partnerships. This resource outlines some of these methods and examples.

ILG Local Governments and Immigrant Integration

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A Local Official’s Guide to Immigrant Civic Engagement

This publication provides insights and examples to help ensure greater public involvement of immigrant residents. This publication provides insights and examples to help ensure greater public involvement of immigrant residents.

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Providing Language Access
Tips for Local Officials

This resource outlines tips for local officials on providing language access in their communities.

Tips for Providing Language Access

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Ethnic Media
Tips to Reach the Fastest Growing Segment of American Media

This tipsheet includes an overview and 8 tips on how to partner with ethnic media.

Ethnic Media Tipsheet

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County Level Data on the Foreign-Born
Grantmakers Concerned for Immigrants and Refugees

This interactive data hub provides a demographic snapshot of the foreign-born population by county. Find out: How many foreign-born live in your county? What percentage live at or below the federal poverty level? How many speak English less than very well? This easy to use tool can help local agencies gain a better understanding of their unique needs.

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Looking Forward: Immigrant Contributions to the Golden State 2014
California Immigrant Policy Center

Statewide and regional data on the economic contributions of immigrants to California.

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Immigrant Engagement Stories

Learn how local governments are successfully engaging immigrant communities.

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