Public health leaders of the 21st century are challenged by increasingly complex problems and escalating expectations amid scarce or shrinking resources. Community and interdisciplinary collaboration holds promise for synergism and capacity building. Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP), the latest assessment-planning-action model developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), guides public health leaders in a strategic planning process that involves community members from assessment throughout action and evaluation. One local health department's experience with MAPP is described from constitution of assessment teams, data collection, and priority identification to planning a community-based intervention. The strategic priority, creating a broader sense of community connectedness, was articulated to address quality of life issues in the county. A community-wide fitness challenge was issued; and 110 teams answered, participating in activities such as walking, aerobics, and swimming. Participants stayed connected to the campaign through the website. The campaign brought multiple constituencies together, including schools, faith-based organizations, fitness professionals, even capturing international attention. (Contains 4 tables.)