The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) focuses on active transportation — walking, biking and rolling to destinations — to create opportunities for movement to be part of everyday living. Also, because people walk during the 'first and last mile' of trips to transit, the promotion of transit use is also a part of our programming.
SHIP strategic directions
- Create an environment where people can move freely throughout the day.
- Create and promote routes to everyday places that are safe for walking, biking, rolling and using public transit.
- Reduce the need for car rides that can be easily replaced with walking, biking, rolling and using public transit.
Dakota County physical activity partners
Dakota County SHIP works with schools, cities and community sites to create or update transportation policies, support grant writing, 
ensure health equity and well-being, conduct feasibility studies and plans, and promote programs and activities. If you or your organization would like to discuss how Dakota County could support you, please email marguerite.zauner@co.dakota.mn.us.
Schools
Dakota County partners with school districts support movement during the school day. Examples of MN MOVES programs Dakota County partners with schools on:
- Hosting National Walk and Roll to School Day events. Hosting training and integration of “Walk! Bike! Fun!" curriculum into classrooms
- Hosting a Bike Rodeo or community event
- Reviewing and updating physical activity and recess polices
- Encouraging active movement during the school day
- Creating outdoor classrooms for outdoor learning
- Implementing Safe Routes to Schools 6 E's (Evaluation, Education, Encouragement, Equity, Engagement and Engineering)
- Providing technical assistance and grant writing support for Safe Routes to School
- Being a member of the school wellness committees
- Leading the Dakota County Safe Routes to School Community of Practice
Community sites
Dakota County partners with cities, local organizations and community members to increase access to physical activity opportunities. Examples of partnerships include:
- Active Living Dakota County (ALDC) initiative with local Dakota County cities to continue partnership which support Active Living and advancing health equity goals.
- Active Living Community Partner Awards funding opportunities (Bike and Pedestrian Planning)
- Grant writing assistance made available to local cities related to active living
- Participating as a member on planning committees and by attending community engagement events
- Providing technical assistance including document review, assistance finding health relate data and metrics, advising in community engagement strategies
- Partnering with Dakota County Parks for inclusive and equitable programming such as Fiesta en la Nieve and Outdoor Latino Minnesota
- Partnering with Dakota County Libraries for programming such as Story Walks to encourage and engage in both physical active and reading events