Arlington is one of 28 communities in Massachusetts chosen to pilot a new program that will help towns and cities prepare for the impacts of climate change. The Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) 2.0 Program will provide Arlington with $95,000 in funding to update its existing climate plan and implement a community-led seed project.

The MVP 2.0 Program is focused on enhancing the resilience of priority populations who may be more exposed to the impacts of climate change, such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. Arlington will work with a consultant and a core team of community members to identify and address the root causes of social vulnerability. The Town will also focus on streamlining and prioritizing actions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving resilience to climate change impacts.

“Weather events in the region this summer have made it clearer than ever that we are already experiencing the impacts of climate change locally,” said Arlington Town Manager Jim Feeney. “The Town is committed to supporting all residents to prepare for these impacts into the future.”

The Town will work with a core team of community leaders, including members of Town boards and committees, local community-based organizations, and individual residents. The team will identify needs within Arlington. A seed project will be started in the second phase of the grant that addresses the identified needs of priority populations.

“We have a particular responsibility to our elderly, low-income, and other priority populations, who may have a harder time adapting to the changes we’re seeing,” said Environmental Planner David Morgan. “We are excited to have been chosen to pilot this new program and share important lessons with other communities in the Commonwealth.”

For more information about Arlington’s climate change resilience efforts, visit the Town's Climate & Resiliency Planning page.