Fifty-two cities hosted 103 events this spring, turning parks, schools, sidewalks and community spaces into places for movement, connection and mental well-being.
The 2026 Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) Mental Health and Physical Activity Challenge encouraged mayors to bring residents together through active, accessible community events. The challenge was led by the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, with support from the American Public Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Communities organized walks, bike rides, line dancing, yoga, youth activities, health fairs, school-based events, and other opportunities for residents to be active while connecting with neighbors.
“Mayors are uniquely positioned to turn public health messages into everyday action,” said Jen Childress, director of programs at the National Forum. “This challenge gives us so much to celebrate because it shows how local leaders are creating opportunities for residents to come together, get active and feel more connected to their communities.”
This year marked the 12th year of MWTM and the third year of the initiative’s focus on mental health and social connectivity. During the challenge celebration webinar, three featured mayors shared how their cities used MWTM to support community wellness in ways that reflected local needs, partnerships and culture.
In Lorain, Ohio, MWTM has helped energize the city’s renewed focus on parks, recreation and community wellness.
“Cities are often judged by new buildings and economic development, but I believe that the true strength of any city is measured by the health and the well-being of its people,” Mayor Bradley said.
In Glenn Heights, Texas, MWTM became a launchpad for ongoing wellness efforts, including line dancing, a walking club, health education, and youth-focused activities.
“Leadership is not always standing at a podium. Sometimes leadership is simply taking the first step and inviting your community to walk with you,” Mayor Brown said.
In Culver City, California, residents connected through activities including Zumba, Kung Fu, and youth dodgeball.
“The measure of a great city is not by how many international corporations we have, but it’s about belonging,” Mayor Puza said. “Move with the Mayor® has been a wonderful opportunity to bring people together around something simple but powerful: moving our bodies, connecting with our neighbors and creating moments of joy in our community.”
Several cities also completed “Connect. Move. Thrive: A Roadmap for Active, Connected Communities,” a self-assessment designed to help cities identify programs, opportunities and partnerships that promote social connection and physical activity. Five cities achieved the gold level.
For more information about MWTM, visit natforum.org/connect-with-mwtm.
About Move with the Mayor®
Move with the Mayor® (MWTM) is an initiative of the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization. For 12 years, mayors have used MWTM messaging, programming, policy and infrastructure recommendations, and other tools to encourage active, healthy living while strengthening individual and community resilience. To learn more, visit natforum.org/mwtm.
Media contact
Amanda Thomas
770-609-0674
amanda.thomas.ic@nationalforum.org
