Sara Zimmerman

Selected Works & Accomplishments

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Speaking Engagements

  • Workshop, “State and Local Active Transportation Financing,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2019.

  • Presentation, “Mature Programs Campfire Session,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2019.

  • Workshop, “Launching a Safe Routes to School Program,” Huntington Park, 2019.

  • Presentation, “State of Safe Routes to School,” ProWalk ProBike ProPlace Conference, 2018.

  • Workshop, “Launching a Safe Routes to School Program,” Monterey, 2018.

  • Presentation, “Partnerships and Progress in Safe Routes to School,” Childhood Obesity Conference, 2017.

  • Workshop, “Launching a Safe Routes to School Program,” Willets, 2017.

  • Presentation, “Communicating About Safe Routes to School,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2016.

  • Presentation, “Equity and Active Transportation,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2016.

  • Workshop, “Safe Routes to School and Policy, Sacramento,” 2015.

  • Presentation, “Liability 101,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2013.

  • “School Siting,” Safe Routes to School National Conference, 2013.

  • Presentation, “Lobbying: How to Make Change (for Healthy Communities) without Making Trouble (for Yourself),” Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention (NEOP) Statewide Collaborative Meeting, 2013.

  • Presentation, “Childhood Obesity Policy,” Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford, 2012.

  • Presentation, “The Challenge of Diverse, Walkable Schools,” Active Living Research, 2012.

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Reports & Publications

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Selected Projects

  • Project Director, Biennial State Report Cards on Support for Walking, Bicycling, and Active Kids and Communities (2016-2020): From 2016 to 2020 Sara managed the development of biennial state report cards on the state policy environment for walking, bicycling, and active kids and communities as part of a project funded by the Centers for Disease Control and in partnership with Y-USA. As part of the project, each state receives a report card providing assessment on 20-30 indicators, and an overall report is compiled setting out the evidence, methodology, and direction of the nation. Sara directed this project, guiding the initial selection of topics and indicators, data collection, quality control, and point allocation, as well as exploring new topics and overseeing updates to data and approach.

  • Project Director, National Active Living Technical Assistance Provider for CDC Grantees (2013-2017): Sara oversaw delivery of technical assistance and training services to recipients of grants (including PICH, REACH, CTG, & CPPW grants) from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) under ICF International’s Training and Technical Assistance Center for Transformation in Communities program. Technical assistance recipients included public health departments, local governments, community organizations, and other local and state partners. Staff provided consultation, developed factsheets and white papers, reviewed policies and materials, conducted site visits and walk audits, and provided in-person and virtual workshops and trainings to help grantees meet their objectives in the areas of Safe Routes to School, Complete Streets, active transportation, shared use, and workplace wellness.

  • Project Director, Walking School Bus Toolkit and Bike Train Toolkits (2018): Funded by the California Department of Public Health, Sara oversaw development of a walking school bus toolkit and a companion bike train toolkit. Step by Step: How to Start a Walking School Bus at Your School was designed to help parents, educators, and community members plan and organize a walking school bus using adult volunteers as leaders. This guide outlines how to plan and implement a walking school bus for your school, and includes proven tools, tips, and templates for a fast and easy start. The companion bike train toolkit provides similar guidance as well as information to address additional needs for incorporating bicycles in the encouragement program. Sara provided oversight, direction, and editing for both toolkits.

  • Program Director, National Partner Organization Supporting the Voices for Healthy Kids Initiative (2013-2020): Sara directed the Safe Routes Partnership’s evolving national partner role providing issue expertise and partnership engagement support for the Voices for Healthy Kids Initiative, a joint initiative of the American Heart Association and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that works to ensure all children grow up at a healthy weight. Sara oversaw provision of technical assistance to campaign grantees and others around the nation.  She also managed staff, developed innovative project concepts, supported national work groups, provided policy expertise, engaged in research and product development, and reviewed messaging resources, polls, and other communications products.

  • Principal Investigator, Safe Routes to School Launch Program (2017-2019): The Safe Routes to School Launch Program, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, assisted communities in launching and strengthening Safe Routes to School initiatives. More than a dozen communities received program services, including an assessment of community conditions, current policies, and challenges, a community training workshop, development of a Safe Routes to School initial action plan, and follow up implementation assistance. Sara served as the project director and principal investigator, overseeing the development of the overall program, training curriculum, and supporting communities in implementing their action plans through tailored technical assistance.