How can a municipality best serve its community? Municipal leaders can start by understanding the conditions that shape the lives of residents.

Vulnerability assessments are a key component of addressing environmental injustice and community needs. In addition to informing municipalities about the hazards and sensitivities their communities live with, these assessments can inform future research and planning, pinpoint gaps in data collection, inform community engagement efforts, and outline actionable steps to improve the well-being of residents.

The vulnerability assessment guide developed by CLC Fellow Alisa Sehgal outlines the structures, methodologies, and data sources needed to conduct a high-level assessment that can act as a first step in addressing vulnerability. She also conducted a vulnerability assessment for the City of Southfield, complete with in-depth data analysis and recommendations for Southfield’s next steps.