Michigan Physical Activity Plan

About the Michigan Physical Activity Plan

Physical activity is one of the most powerful and accessible tools available to improve health, prevent chronic disease, strengthen communities, and enhance quality of life. Yet despite overwhelming evidence of its benefits, a substantial portion of Michigan residents do not achieve the recommended levels of physical activity needed to support lifelong health and well-being.

Vision, Mission & the Coalition

The Michigan Physical Activity Plan was developed through the leadership and collaboration of the Michigan Moves Coalition — a statewide network of organizations and leaders committed to increasing physical activity across Michigan. Established in 2022, Michigan Moves was created to unify Michigan's physical activity community and mobilize systems-level change.

How to Use the Michigan Physical Activity Plan

The MPAP is designed to guide coordinated action. It provides a shared framework that helps partners align priorities, implement evidence-based interventions, and measure progress toward the collective goal of making Michigan the most physically active state in the nation. The Plan is not intended to be implemented by any single organization — it is a shared strategic framework enabling many organizations to contribute to a common statewide effort.

MPAP Overarching Priorities

While each sector of the Plan identifies targeted strategies and tactics, certain enabling conditions must be present to ensure that these efforts translate into meaningful and sustained change. These Overarching Priorities provide the structural foundation needed to support implementation, coordination, and long-term impact across all sectors.

Societal Sectors

The Michigan Physical Activity Plan is organized around ten societal sectors that collectively influence physical activity. By working within these sectors — and collaborating across them — partners can create environments that make physical activity more accessible, more supported, and more integrated into daily life. Click any sector to explore its strategies and suggested tactics.

Business & Industry

Mobilizing employers as strategic partners for an active workforce

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Businesses and industries are influential environments that shape daily routines, social norms, economic conditions, and community development patterns that collectively affect physical activity behaviors. For many adults, the workplace represents a substantial portion of waking hours, making it a critical setting for promoting movement, reducing sedentary time, and supporting healthy lifestyles. Physically active workforces are associated with improved productivity, reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, enhanced employee engagement, and more favorable healthcare cost trends.

Strategy 1 Strengthen cross-sector partnerships between businesses, public health, community organizations, and local governments to expand and integrate physical activity opportunities for all Michiganders. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Facilitate formal connections between Parks & Recreation departments and local governments to align employer-based physical activity efforts with community infrastructure, shared-use agreements, and local planning processes.
• Partner with local health departments and health systems to align employer-focused physical activity initiatives with Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) and community benefit grant funding priorities.
• Establish regional business-to-business (B2B) physical activity challenges or collaboratives that encourage shared participation, friendly competition, and cross-employer learning.
• Inventory, elevate, and promote existing community-based physical activity programs that employers can easily integrate into workplace wellness offerings, referrals, or incentives.
• Create cross-sector partnership models that demonstrate how employers can leverage community organizations to extend physical activity opportunities beyond the worksite and into neighborhoods and families.

Strategy 2 Develop and disseminate a clear, compelling business case and awareness campaign that highlights the ROI and organizational benefits of investing in physical activity promotion. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Develop Michigan-specific business case materials that clearly articulate financial ROI, including healthcare cost trends, productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism impacts associated with physical activity promotion.
• Document and highlight successful Michigan-based employer programs through case studies that demonstrate measurable organizational and workforce outcomes.
• Create an awareness campaign targeted to business leaders that frames physical activity as a strategic investment tied to recruitment, retention, and organizational performance.
• Identify and deploy multiple dissemination mechanisms (business associations, chambers of commerce, industry groups, HR networks) to ensure the business case reaches employers of varying sizes and sectors.
• Customize messaging and program pathways for small, medium, and large employers by offering scalable, low-cost implementation options and clear entry points that reduce barriers to adoption.

Strategy 3 Advance workplace and public policies that support a physically active workforce and incentivize employers to create active business climates and communities. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Advocate for local and state policies that support physical activity during the workday, including flexible scheduling, active design standards, and shared use of community facilities.
• Develop and disseminate a policy resource guide that highlights existing, successful workplace and public policies that promote physical activity and healthy work environments.
• Recognize and elevate employers that have adopted exemplary physical activity–supportive policies, creating visibility and peer-driven motivation.
• Engage business leaders as policy champions to influence peers and decision-makers in support of physically active workplaces and communities.

Strategy 4 Support businesses in offering accessible workplace programs and meaningful incentives that encourage employees to adopt and maintain physically active lifestyles. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Promote evidence-based workplace physical activity programs that are adaptable across different industries, job types, and workforce demographics.
• Encourage the use of sensible, behaviorally informed incentives that emphasize participation, consistency, and personal progress rather than punitive or exclusionary models.
• Highlight employer practices that celebrate milestones and accomplishments, reinforcing physical activity as a shared organizational value.
• Support education and guidance for self-funded employers on how physical activity programs may align with health benefits design, risk reduction strategies, and long-term cost containment.
• Facilitate access to qualified physical activity and behavior-change professionals to support program quality and sustainability.

Strategy 5 Strengthen the coordination and infrastructure needed for employers to plan, deliver, and sustain effective physical activity promotion across the workforce. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Create opportunities to elevate and share employer examples that demonstrate successful planning, implementation, and sustainability of physical activity initiatives.
• Convene cross-sector stakeholder networks that connect employers with public health, healthcare, community organizations, and technical experts.
• Provide employers with access to shared tools and resources, including leadership commitments (e.g., CEO Pledge), implementation toolkits, and evaluation guidance.
• Support peer learning and technical assistance models that help employers move from pilot programs to sustained, system-wide efforts.

Strategy 6 Develop and strengthen systems that provide insight into physical activity levels and physical activity promotion efforts among Michigan workers and workplaces. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Support systems that provide individual workers with meaningful insight into their physical activity levels, progress, and opportunities for improvement.
• Encourage the use of aggregate, de-identified data to inform organizational decision-making, cross-employer benchmarking, and statewide planning.
• Promote workplace-level environmental and program assessments that evaluate how physical, cultural, and organizational factors influence physical activity.
• Collaborate with partners to align measurement approaches so data collected across workplaces can inform broader MPAP goals while protecting individual privacy.

Community Recreation, Fitness & Parks

Ensuring close-to-home, affordable, and culturally relevant opportunities for movement

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The Community Recreation, Fitness, and Parks Sector plays a foundational role in supporting physical activity across the lifespan by providing close-to-home, affordable, and culturally relevant opportunities for movement in communities throughout Michigan. This sector encompasses a diverse ecosystem of public parks and trails, community recreation centers, nonprofit and faith-based facilities, school and shared-use spaces, and private fitness and wellness providers. Significant disparities persist in Michigan — rural communities, low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, older adults, people with disabilities, and others often face structural barriers that limit participation.

Strategy 1 Create, enhance, or deploy new and existing evidence-based community recreation, fitness, and park programs that promote physical activity across the lifespan. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Conduct statewide and regional needs assessments to identify gaps in program reach, cultural relevance, and population equity.
• Catalog and evaluate existing evidence-based programs for adaptation or scale.
• Adapt existing programs to be culturally relevant for Michigan's diverse communities, particularly rural, low-income, and minority populations.
• Develop and implement pilot programs targeting priority populations (e.g., older adults, youth, people with disabilities, low-income residents).
• Collaborate cross-sector to expand before- and after-school/work opportunities for physical activity.
• Integrate accessible, low-cost technology-based programming (apps, virtual classes, digital walking/running challenges) to expand reach in underserved areas.

Strategy 2 Advocate across sectors for sustainable policies and funding to expand facilities and services in all geographic areas, with priority given to those with the greatest need. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Conduct an environmental scan of current policy and funding mechanisms supporting recreation and parks infrastructure.
• Develop local and state advocacy coalitions (community champions, residents, and professionals) to advocate for sustainable funding.
• Cultivate public-private partnerships to leverage corporate, philanthropic, and foundation support for infrastructure and program development.
• Promote tax incentives and grants for employers and developers who integrate active design or sponsor community activity spaces.
• Engage in policy advocacy to expand shared-use agreements, operating hours, and fee assistance programs.
• Advocate for the establishment of a Michigan Interagency Council on Outdoor Recreation to coordinate federal, state, and local resources.

Strategy 3 Increase safe, clean, and affordable access to recreation, fitness, and park facilities by sustainably developing, preserving, and enhancing spaces and programs for physical activity. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Conduct statewide or region-wide facility audits to assess condition, accessibility, safety, and geographic distribution.
• Upgrade and rehabilitate aging infrastructure, prioritizing equity zones and under-resourced communities.
• Ensure ADA compliance and universal design principles are integrated into all new construction and retrofits.
• Implement community safety and security initiatives, such as lighting upgrades, patrols, and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design).
• Provide equitable fee structures, sliding-scale memberships, and scholarships to remove cost barriers.
• Provide public access to community asset mapping to guide resource allocation and utilization.

Strategy 4 Recruit and retain a diverse workforce of qualified leaders, staff, and volunteers by providing accredited training that emphasizes evidence-based practice and inclusive leadership. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Develop a Michigan Community Recreation & Fitness Workforce Playbook with best practices for recruiting, onboarding, and retention.
• Promote recognized national credentials and partnerships with academic institutions for continuing education.
• Offer stipends or tuition support for diverse candidates entering recreation and fitness careers.
• Create career ladders and recognition programs to improve retention of skilled staff and volunteers.
• Build partnerships with tribal, rural, and minority-serving institutions to diversify the workforce pipeline.

Strategy 5 Adopt evidence-based and standardized systems to track participation and outcomes, measuring both efficacy and cost-effectiveness across all populations. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Develop a statewide performance measurement framework aligned with the National Physical Activity Plan and CDC's Active People, Healthy Nation metrics.
• Integrate participation, demographic, and outcome data to track utilization trends and identify inequities.
• Create interactive dashboards or annual reports to communicate outcomes to policymakers and funders.
• Expand use of existing data collection systems (e.g., BRFSS, YRBS, MiPHY) to capture community recreation participation.

Education

Building the foundation for healthy, active communities from early childhood through higher education

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Education settings are a central part of daily life for children and adolescents and represent one of the most powerful systems for influencing lifelong health behaviors. In Michigan, millions of young people are served each day across early childhood programs, K–12 schools, intermediate school districts, and postsecondary institutions. The education sector is uniquely positioned to ensure equitable access to regular physical activity. The MPAP Education Sector strategies focus on strengthening statewide leadership, modernizing policy, and ensuring sustainable implementation infrastructure — with explicit emphasis on protecting and elevating high-quality, standards-aligned physical education as the instructional core.

Strategy 1 Advocate for the adoption and implementation of state and district policy to institutionalize the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP) framework across all school settings. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Advocate for Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and State Board of Education adoption of CSPAP as the foundational framework for school-based physical activity.
• Promote district-level policies that formally institutionalize all five CSPAP components: Quality Physical Education, Physical Activity During School, Physical Activity Before and After School, Staff Involvement, and Family and Community Engagement.
• Develop and disseminate Michigan-specific CSPAP guidance for superintendents, principals, curriculum directors, and school wellness committees.
• Support adoption of shared-use agreements that expand access to school facilities for community physical activity outside school hours.
• Promote statewide adoption of evidence-based, standards-aligned PE curricula that specify grade-level outcomes and ensure adequate MVPA during class time.

Strategy 2 Mobilize legislative and organizational support for statewide and local physical activity initiatives. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Conduct a comprehensive scan of Michigan's current physical activity, PE, recess, and school wellness policy landscape, identifying gaps relative to national benchmarks.
• Educate and engage state legislators, MDE leadership, intermediate school districts (ISDs), and professional associations on CSPAP-aligned policy priorities.
• Advocate for policies that explicitly link legislation, funding, implementation guidance, and enforcement mechanisms.
• Leverage Michigan Moves Coalition, MPAP partners, and education advocacy organizations to coordinate messaging and testimony.

Strategy 3 Promote and monitor statewide standards for early childhood through grade 12 physical education and activity programs consistent with national benchmarks. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Align Michigan PE and physical activity standards with national benchmarks for instructional time, MVPA engagement (≥50% of PE class time), and class size.
• Ensure standards explicitly address adapted PE and equitable access for students with disabilities.
• Promote elimination of PE waivers and substitutions that undermine equitable access.
• Support standards requiring daily recess and physical activity breaks throughout the school day.

Strategy 4 Increase resources needed for schools and universities to enhance opportunities and incentives for physically active lifestyles among students. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Advocate for investment in safe, accessible indoor and outdoor physical activity spaces on school and university campuses, prioritizing high-need communities.
• Promote campus and school design that supports walkability, biking, and active transportation.
• Support expansion of before-school, after-school, out-of-school, and extracurricular programs that meet physical activity time and quality standards.
• Advocate for financial incentives, scholarships, or fee reductions to ensure cost is not a barrier to participation.

Strategy 5 Support statewide teacher preparation programs and professional development to equip school staff, educators, and administrators with the skills to deliver effective physical activity programs. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Ensure preparation programs equip school staff to deliver high-quality inclusive PE and coordinate CSPAP as school physical activity leaders.
• Promote training on MARSE rules and regulations related to adapted PE.
• Promote training on inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive physical activity programming.
• Partner with higher education institutions to integrate population-based physical activity promotion competencies into educator preparation programs.

Strategy 6 Develop and expand partnerships between schools and community organizations to increase daily physical activity. ▼

Suggested Tactics

• Establish and strengthen partnerships between schools and community recreation and parks departments, youth-serving organizations, and healthcare and public health entities.
• Design inclusive physical activity opportunities that address physical, cognitive, and mental health needs across the lifespan.
• Promote co-delivery models for physical activity programming before and after school, particularly in underserved communities.
• Support data sharing and joint evaluation efforts to measure reach, participation, and equity impact.

Faith-Based

Leveraging trusted community institutions as hubs for active living and health ministry

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Faith-based organizations are among the most trusted and deeply rooted institutions in communities across Michigan. Congregations, ministries, and faith networks serve millions of residents each week. Many congregations operate facilities such as fellowship halls, gymnasiums, fields, and open spaces that can serve as accessible venues for physical activity programming. The Michigan Physical Activity Plan recognizes faith communities as powerful partners in advancing active living, integrating movement with spiritual teachings, ministry activities, and congregational culture.

Strategy 1 Embed physical activity as a core expression of holistic health and stewardship within faith teachings, leadership practices, and congregational culture. ▼

Tactics

• Encourage faith leaders to incorporate messages about physical activity, health, and stewardship of the body into sermons, teachings, and congregational communications.
• Develop faith-aligned health ministry resources that link spiritual well-being with active living and preventive health behaviors.
• Integrate physical activity into existing ministry programs such as youth groups, small groups, retreats, and fellowship events.
• Promote intergenerational movement activities such as group walks, family activity days, and active service projects.

Strategy 2 Activate faith-based settings as accessible, inclusive hubs for physical activity, particularly in communities with limited recreational infrastructure. ▼

Tactics

• Utilize faith-based facilities (e.g., fellowship halls, gyms, outdoor spaces) to host regular physical activity programs such as walking groups, exercise classes, and youth sports.
• Encourage congregations to offer community physical activity events that welcome both members and non-members.
• Develop inclusive programming that accommodates individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
• Partner with local recreation organizations to deliver programs within faith-based facilities.

Strategy 3 Build organizational and leadership capacity within faith communities to design, deliver, and sustain evidence-informed physical activity programs. ▼

Tactics

• Develop training programs and technical assistance to support faith leaders, volunteers, and health ministry teams in implementing physical activity initiatives.
• Establish a statewide network of faith-based health champions who promote active living within their congregations and communities.
• Create toolkits and implementation guides that help congregations start and sustain physical activity programs.
• Provide access to grant opportunities and funding resources that support faith-based physical activity initiatives.

Strategy 4 Leverage faith leaders and congregations as trusted messengers to normalize physical activity and reduce disparities across age, ability, race, and geography. ▼

Tactics

• Develop culturally responsive messaging that encourages physical activity within diverse faith communities.
• Highlight and celebrate congregations that successfully integrate physical activity into their ministries.
• Partner with faith leaders to deliver health education campaigns that emphasize the importance of regular physical activity.
• Engage youth, older adults, and community leaders within congregations to serve as ambassadors for active living.

Strategy 5 Foster multi-sector partnerships between faith-based organizations, healthcare, public health, parks and recreation, and community organizations to expand reach and resources. ▼

Tactics

• Establish partnerships between faith communities and local health systems to support referrals to physical activity programs.
• Collaborate with parks, recreation departments, and community organizations to co-host physical activity programs and events.
• Connect faith-based organizations with public health agencies to support chronic disease prevention initiatives.
• Develop regional networks that facilitate collaboration between faith-based organizations and other sectors promoting physical activity.

Strategy 6 Promote policies and shared-use practices that increase access to faith-based facilities for physical activity and active living. ▼

Tactics

• Encourage faith-based organizations to establish shared-use agreements that allow community members to access facilities for physical activity.
• Advocate for funding and policy initiatives that support physical activity programming in faith-based settings.
• Work with local governments to improve active transportation infrastructure surrounding faith-based facilities.

Strategy 7 Integrate physical activity into community service, outreach, and ministry activities to align movement with service, connection, and purpose. ▼

Tactics

• Incorporate physically active service opportunities such as neighborhood cleanups, community gardening, and volunteer outreach.
• Develop programs that combine service and movement, such as walking outreach ministries or active charity events.
• Encourage congregations to host community wellness fairs that include physical activity demonstrations and programs.
• Integrate physical activity into youth service programs and mission activities.

Healthcare

Integrating physical activity counseling and promotion across the healthcare system

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The Healthcare Sector plays a critical role in advancing physical activity as a foundational component of prevention, treatment, and management of chronic and complex health conditions. Healthcare providers — including physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and allied health professionals — interact with large portions of Michigan's population, creating important opportunities to assess physical activity levels, provide counseling and referrals, prescribe exercise as medicine, and connect patients with community resources. Successful implementation of the MPAP Healthcare Sector will require sustained cross-sector collaboration among healthcare systems, insurers, community organizations, public health agencies, and workforce training institutions.

Strategy 1 Integrate routine physical activity assessment, counseling, and referral into clinical practice across all healthcare settings and patient populations. ▼

Tactics

• Promote adoption of standardized physical activity assessment tools (e.g., Exercise Vital Sign) within electronic health record (EHR) systems across Michigan healthcare networks.
• Develop and disseminate clinical resources and decision support tools that guide providers in delivering brief physical activity counseling using evidence-based techniques such as motivational interviewing.
• Support implementation of Exercise is Medicine® Michigan and similar initiatives to normalize physical activity prescription in clinical settings.
• Establish referral pathways connecting patients to community-based physical activity programs, parks, recreation facilities, and other resources.

Strategy 2 Build healthcare workforce capacity to deliver effective physical activity assessment, counseling, and referral across disciplines and care settings. ▼

Tactics

• Integrate physical activity counseling competencies into medical, nursing, and allied health professional training programs across Michigan academic institutions.
• Develop and promote continuing education resources for practicing clinicians on evidence-based physical activity counseling and exercise prescription.
• Highlight and support deployment of community health workers and care navigators trained to provide physical activity support and community referrals.

Strategy 3 Advance coverage, reimbursement, and incentive structures that support physical activity promotion and chronic disease prevention across the healthcare system. ▼

Tactics

• Engage health plans, Medicaid and Medicare programs, and self-insured employers to advocate for expanded coverage of physical activity counseling, referral services, and community-based programs.
• Support development of value-based care models and quality measures that reward healthcare organizations for integrating physical activity promotion into clinical workflows.
• Identify and document healthcare cost savings associated with physical activity programming to strengthen the business case for reimbursement reform.

Strategy 4 Promote physical activity within healthcare organizations as supportive environments for patients, employees, and communities. ▼

Tactics

• Encourage healthcare organizations to adopt active design principles in facility planning, including access to walking paths, stairwells, and outdoor spaces.
• Support development and promotion of employee wellness programs within healthcare organizations that model physical activity behaviors for patients and communities.
• Encourage healthcare campuses to serve as community physical activity resources through shared-use agreements and open access to facilities.

Strategy 5 Strengthen data systems and evaluation infrastructure to track physical activity-related healthcare interactions, outcomes, and disparities across Michigan. ▼

Tactics

• Support integration of physical activity assessment data into EHR systems and population health management platforms.
• Develop a Michigan healthcare physical activity measurement framework aligned with national standards and MPAP goals.
• Establish cross-sector data sharing agreements to link healthcare physical activity data with community-level outcomes, program participation, and population health surveillance.

Media & Communications

Shaping cultural norms and amplifying the movement for active living statewide

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The Media and Communications Sector of the Michigan Physical Activity Plan recognizes the powerful role that media, marketing, journalism, social media, and communications professionals play in shaping cultural norms, influencing public perceptions, and motivating behavior change related to physical activity. From local news coverage and social media campaigns to public health messaging and entertainment media, communications channels reach virtually every Michigan resident and have tremendous potential to normalize active living, reduce barriers, and inspire movement across communities. Effective communication strategies can make physical activity aspirational, accessible, and relevant across diverse populations.

Strategy 1 Develop and implement coordinated, culturally responsive media and communications campaigns to normalize physical activity and promote active living across Michigan. ▼

Tactics

• Design and launch a statewide physical activity social marketing campaign aligned with MPAP goals, featuring authentic, diverse Michigan residents and communities.
• Develop targeted messaging that addresses specific barriers and motivators for priority populations, including youth, older adults, communities of color, and rural residents.
• Utilize earned, paid, and social media strategies to maximize campaign reach and engagement across platforms.
• Integrate physical activity messaging into existing public health communications campaigns and partner organization communications channels.

Strategy 2 Engage news, entertainment, and digital media professionals to increase positive, accurate, and inspiring coverage of physical activity, active communities, and Michiganders in motion. ▼

Tactics

• Build relationships with media professionals, journalists, and content creators to increase coverage of physical activity, active communities, and related public health topics.
• Develop media toolkits and story pitches that provide journalists with compelling narratives, data, and expert sources related to physical activity and health.
• Recognize and celebrate media outlets and content creators that champion positive physical activity narratives and active living stories from Michigan communities.

Military & First Responder

Supporting sustained physical readiness and well-being across Michigan's service community

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The Military and First Responder Sector of the Michigan Physical Activity Plan recognizes the unique physical demands, occupational risks, and wellness needs of Michigan's active-duty military personnel, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and other first responders. These populations require specialized approaches to physical activity promotion that address not only performance readiness but also long-term physical and mental health, injury prevention, and successful transition to civilian wellness practices. Michigan's robust military and first responder community represents a critical audience for targeted strategies that support sustained physical readiness, healthy aging, and quality of life.

Strategy 1 Strengthen institutional support and organizational culture for sustained physical activity and wellness within Michigan's military and first responder organizations. ▼

Tactics

• Promote adoption of evidence-based physical fitness and wellness standards within law enforcement, fire, and EMS organizations that support long-term health — not only occupational performance.
• Support development and implementation of peer-led wellness programs within military and first responder organizations that normalize active lifestyles.
• Recognize organizations that demonstrate commitment to physical activity, injury prevention, and employee wellness as models for the sector.

Strategy 2 Expand access to physical activity programs, facilities, and resources for veterans, transitioning service members, and military families across Michigan. ▼

Tactics

• Partner with VA facilities, military bases, and veteran service organizations to expand access to physical activity programs for veterans and transitioning service members.
• Support development of adaptive physical activity programs that meet the diverse needs of veterans living with service-connected injuries or disabilities.
• Connect veterans and military families with community recreation programs, parks, and fitness resources through coordinated referral networks.

Public Health

Advancing population-level physical activity through surveillance, policy, and community action

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Public health organizations play a central role in protecting and improving the health of individuals, families, and communities across Michigan. State and local public health agencies, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and allied partners collectively influence the conditions that enable people to be physically active throughout their lives. Through surveillance, policy development, workforce training, coalition leadership, and community engagement, the public health sector is uniquely positioned to advance population-level physical activity and reduce disparities in access to safe, supportive environments for movement. The MPAP Public Health Sector prioritizes coordinated awareness, cross-sector coalition activation, strengthened surveillance, workforce development, and strategic policy engagement.

Strategy 1 Design, launch, and continuously evaluate a coordinated, multi-sector awareness initiative that disseminates practical, evidence-based tools to increase physical activity across Michigan communities. ▼

Tactics

• Develop and disseminate culturally responsive physical activity resources tailored for priority populations including youth, older adults, rural residents, and communities of color.
• Align public health messaging with MPAP priority areas and cross-sector partners to ensure consistent, reinforcing communications across sectors.
• Leverage existing public health infrastructure — including local health departments, community health workers, and clinical partnerships — to extend reach of physical activity resources.
• Evaluate dissemination reach and resource utilization to continuously improve targeting and impact.

Strategy 2 Strengthen Michigan's physical activity surveillance infrastructure to monitor population trends, measure disparities, and evaluate the impact of MPAP strategies and interventions. ▼

Tactics

• Expand and strengthen use of existing surveillance systems (BRFSS, YRBS, MiPHY, and others) to monitor physical activity levels, guideline adherence, and disparities across Michigan populations.
• Develop and implement a Michigan Physical Activity Report Card that communicates statewide progress on key physical activity indicators to policymakers, partners, and the public.
• Collaborate with academic institutions and research partners to enhance the quality, frequency, and utility of physical activity surveillance data for decision-making.

Sport

Building a coordinated sport system that supports access, quality, safety, and lifelong participation

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Sport is one of the most visible and influential platforms for physical activity in Michigan. From community leagues and school-based programs to club, recreational, and elite pathways, sport settings reach hundreds of thousands of children, adolescents, and adults each year. Well-designed sport experiences can build physical literacy, confidence, teamwork, and belonging while helping participants accumulate meaningful amounts of health-enhancing physical activity. The MPAP Sport Sector focuses on building a coordinated system that supports access, quality, safety, and positive youth and community development — expanding equitable access to safe and supportive play spaces and embedding physical literacy principles across programs.

Strategy 1 Ensure equitable access to safe, supportive, and high-quality recreational spaces and programs for people of all ages. ▼

Tactics

• Conduct a statewide audit of recreational spaces, program accessibility, safety features, geographic distribution, and affordability to identify inequities and priority areas.
• Develop standardized funding models (state, regional, philanthropic, healthcare partnerships) to expand and sustain community recreation spaces — especially in under-resourced areas.
• Create incentive structures and recognition programs that encourage sport organizations to prioritize inclusive access, cultural relevance, and affordability in program design.

Strategy 2 Embed physical literacy and positive youth development principles as the foundation of sport and recreational programming across Michigan. ▼

Tactics

• Promote adoption of physical literacy frameworks — emphasizing confidence, competence, motivation, and knowledge — as guiding principles across youth sport organizations.
• Develop and disseminate resources that help coaches, administrators, and families understand the long-term benefits of multi-sport participation and late specialization models.
• Support evidence-based coach development programs that emphasize positive youth development, age-appropriate training loads, and enjoyment as central to sport participation.

Transportation, Land Use & Community Design

Creating communities where everyday walking, cycling, and movement are safe, accessible, and desirable

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Transportation systems, land-use decisions, and community design patterns shape how Michiganders move through their daily lives and influence whether physical activity is convenient, safe, and integrated into routine activities. Communities designed to support multiple transportation modes and mixed land uses can increase opportunities for routine physical activity while also advancing economic vitality, environmental sustainability, safety, and social connection. The MPAP Transportation, Land Use, and Community Design Sector focuses on advancing policies, practices, and partnerships that embed physical activity considerations into planning and development decisions at all levels.

Strategy 1 Accelerate active design integration across state and local planning systems. ▼

Tactics

• Advocate for adoption of Complete Streets policies at the state, regional, and local levels that require consideration of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and mobility device users in all road projects.
• Promote integration of Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) into transportation and land-use planning processes to evaluate and address physical activity implications of major decisions.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and peer learning opportunities to help local governments adopt active design standards and practices in comprehensive plans and zoning codes.

Strategy 2 Reform zoning and policy environments that limit walkability, mixed-use development, and active transportation connectivity. ▼

Tactics

• Develop and disseminate model zoning ordinances and policy templates that enable mixed-use development, reduced parking minimums, and active transportation infrastructure.
• Engage local planning commissions, zoning boards, and elected officials on the connections between land-use decisions, walkability, and community health outcomes.
• Support communities in conducting walkability and bikeability audits to identify barriers to active transportation and inform targeted investments.

Strategy 3 Expand equitable access to safe active transportation infrastructure and programming across Michigan's urban, suburban, and rural communities. ▼

Tactics

• Prioritize investments in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure in underserved communities with high rates of walking and biking but limited infrastructure quality and safety.
• Support Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs and funding that improve walking and biking conditions for children and families.
• Develop community bike share, equipment lending, and pedestrian safety programs that remove cost and access barriers to active transportation participation.

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