Watertown is working to become more resilient!

The Town of Watertown wants your input on how we should take action to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future. With your help, we can create a vision and a plan to get there together.

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* 1. What are your top concerns? Please tell us what your priorities are by ranking the topics below. 1 indicates your top priority.

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* 2. Infrastructure. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Green Infrastructure: I support the use of green infrastructure practices, like porous pavers, bioswales, and rain gardens that help with a resilient habitat, flood protection, and cleaner air and water.
Green Buildings: Watertown should promote the development of green buildings to reduce community wide energy and water use, and promote sustainable, healthy materials.
Impervious Surface: I would be willing to reduce the amount of impervious surface around my home to help reduce the urban heat island effect.
Charging Stations: There are enough electric vehicle charging stations around town for people with an electric vehicle or for those who wish to buy one.

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* 3. Community Vitality. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Youth: We need to increase the opportunities for Watertown youth to learn about sustainability and energy.
Green Industries: I would favor the Town working to attract more green industries to come to Watertown.
Education: I know where to look for reliable information about climate change and sustainability.
Local Businesses: I frequently shop at local businesses.
Social Ties: I feel connected to my neighbors and feel I could ask them for help if needed.

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* 4. Energy. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Clean Electricity: I am aware of the Watertown Electricity Choice program that allows residents to opt in for a 100% renewable energy supply.
Rooftop Solar: I support the installation of solar panels on Watertown homes.
Energy Efficiency: I have taken all the steps I know to in my home to reduce my energy use.
New Construction: I would support a policy for new construction in Watertown to be more energy efficient.
Existing Buildings: Watertown should encourage building renovations to include energy efficiency upgrades with small business grants or no-interest loans.

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* 5. Climate Hazards. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Heat Waves: I have the resources I need to stay cool on hot days.
Flooding: I am concerned about the effects of flooding on transportation, infrastructure and/or my personal property.
Extreme Storms: I have been personally impacted by extreme storms.
Drought: I take all the steps I can to reduce my water consumption during times of drought.

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* 6. Natural Resources. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Tree Canopy: I believe there is a need to protect and expand Watertown’s tree canopy.
Air Quality: Air quality and public health motivates me to reduce my carbon footprint.
Open Space: I support Watertown acquiring and protecting land for open space.
Parks: I actively use Watertown’s parks and trails.
Water Quality: I support the Town protecting our wetlands and buffer zones to enhance our ecology and resilience to extreme weather.

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* 7. Preparedness. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Emergency Shelter: I know where I can go for shelter in case of an emergency.
Preparedness: I have what I need to survive 72 hours without power in my home.
Emergency Notifications: I am signed up for WatertownALERT, the Town’s emergency notification system.
Routine Notifications: I receive helpful information through the Town’s Notify Me communication system.
Businesses: I know of Watertown businesses that have been affected by extreme weather events.

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* 8. Transportation. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Public Transportation: The local public transit options meet my needs.
Electric Vehicles: I would consider buying or leasing an electric vehicle as my next car.
Walking: I walk to work or to do an errand at least three times a week.
Biking: The existing biking infrastructure (lanes, paths, etc.) in Watertown makes me feel I can get around safely by bike.
Complete Streets: Roads in Watertown are safe and well-designed for pedestrians, bikers, and other multimodal forms of transportation.

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* 9. Waste. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

  Strongly Disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Agree
Recycling: I know what can and cannot be recycled in Watertown.
Composting: I would be willing to pay for curbside pickup of food waste for composting.
Plastics: I actively strive to reduce my use of single-use plastics, like straws and plastic cling wrap.
Hazardous Materials: I am aware that I can bring hazardous household products to the Regional Minuteman Facility for disposal.
Consumption: I actively seek to reduce my consumption and purchasing of non-essential items.

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