Adaptation strategies were created with the knowledge that the impacts of climate change will not be experienced uniformly among community members. People who are elderly, young, low-income, or disabled are more vulnerable to climate change impacts, especially as impacts become more frequent and intense. Municipal plans and operations can proactively address systemic inequities by identifying the communities at greatest risk and considering the distribution of resources related to climate resilience.

This plan identifies communities likely to face the worst impacts from flooding, extreme heat, and other climate-related hazards. For extreme heat in particular, the City provides an interactive web map that uses socioeconomic data to provide an overview of heat vulnerability across the city. The City of Alexandria recommends that its resources for combating the impacts of extreme weather be primarily directed towards vulnerable communities to alleviate the consequences of climate change. Adaptation strategies include expanding climate-focused outreach and education, improving emergency management response, and making infrastructure improvements in the most vulnerable communities.