The Federal Emergency Management Agency has identified core capabilities that apply to prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery.  Federal, state, and local entities are supposed to be able to collectively build and deliver these capabilities in partnership with communities (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2011). The focus of this research has been on the capabilities associated with mitigation, response, and recovery.

The Social Determinants of Vulnerability Framework identifies the social conditions that are most represented in the literature and are associated with higher likelihood of suffering physical injuries or illness, psychological consequences, social disruption, and economic impact. The Framework provides a structure for cities to develop inclusive mitigation, response, and recovery planning strategies while fostering social equity in public administration and reducing the likelihood of successful litigation.

The Framework at a minimum provides social conditions to consider for inclusive planning, but more significantly, is a guide that municipalities can use to identify the social circumstances and the corresponding neighborhoods within their jurisdiction with which they can build stronger relationships and partnerships to facilitate more inclusive planning processes and plans.