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P a g e | 3 San Mateo County Coastline FEMA’s Guide to Expanding Mitigation highlights how local governments can partner with communities to strive for equity in hazard mitigation, including the planning and project development process. The guide recommends taking a “Whole Community” approach and involving historically underserved populations in the planning and decision-making processes, and also recommends the inclusion of those with access and functional needs, businesses, faith- based and community organizations, nonprofit groups, schools, academia, media outlets, and all levels of government, including state, local, tribal, territorial, and federal partners that have a shared responsibility in emergency preparedness and mitigation. When incorporating equity and inclusion approaches it is optimal to work with leaders of the groups that you are seeking to better include. Particularly with a highly structured planning process like the MJLHMP it is important to communicate that your jurisdiction is seeking to increase inclusion or incorporate more equitable approaches. Equity and inclusion can mean different things to communities and government entities, so it is important both to implement the most inclusive practices possible in your situation while not overpromising and disappointing your partners. What is Social Vulnerability? FEMA’s National Risk Index defines social vulnerability as the susceptibility of social groups to the adverse impacts of hazards, including disproportionate death, injury, loss, or disruption of livelihood. In addition, FEMA’s Guide to Expanding Mitigation adds that social vulnerability can influence an individual’s or group’s ability to prepare, respond, cope, or recover from an event. They note that heightened vulnerability may be compounded by deficiencies in infrastructure and conclude that “While not predictive, understanding where populations have increased vulnerability and exposure to natural hazards can help emergency managers take actions to lessen impacts to these communities before an event or distribute needed recovery dollars after an event.” More locally, Climate Ready SMC defines socially vulnerable communities as “Populations with increased vulnerability to climate impacts due to existing inequities. Examples include people whose disabilities are not accommodated, people who live in more polluted neighborhoods and people whose race, religion or sexual orientation is targeted for discrimination.”