Explore resident ideas
Every idea residents submitted to Ideas in Action in 2024–25, 2025–26 and 2026–27. Search the words residents used, or narrow by cycle, theme, neighborhood, language or how the idea was submitted.
Themes grouped with AI from resident idea text. English titles and summaries written with AI.
3,748 ideas
- Map and organize community harvesting of fruit treesResident proposes a database and organized community harvest of fruit and berry trees to address food insecurity and keep sidewalks clear of rotting fruit.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Boston Public Library bookmobileResident asks for a BPL bookmobile vehicle so staff can bring library services to more parts of the city and underresourced communities.2026–27City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Native plantings in squares and plazasResident asks to replace plantings in Boston squares and plazas with native plants using permaculture principles, supporting biodiversity and saving the city replanting costs.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Weekend open gym at community centersResident asks for open gym and activity time at community centers on weekends, especially in winter, so neighbors can meet and join free activities.2026–27City-wideRecreation facilities & sports
- Button-activated crossing lights on major South Boston roadsResident asks for button-activated pedestrian crossing lights at major South Boston crosswalks without signals, to protect people from fast-moving traffic.2026–27South BostonPedestrian & bike safety
- Planters at intersection daylighting areasResident proposes planters in striped daylighting zones near crosswalks to stop illegal parking and speeding turns, improving pedestrian safety and adding greenery, especially in minority neighborhoods.2026–27City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Bike path between Fields Corner and AshmontResident proposes a bike path connecting Fields Corner and Ashmont on already-cleared Red Line land, since the area is currently unwalkable.2026–27DorchesterTransit & getting around
- Make Fields Corner more walkable and bikeableResident asks to redesign the Fields Corner shopping mall and reuse empty parking space for easier pedestrian and bike access, boosting foot traffic for local businesses.2026–27DorchesterPedestrian & bike safety
- Replace plumbing pipes across MassachusettsResident proposes redoing plumbing for all pipes in Massachusetts, which is statewide and too broad for a city project.2026–27City-wideOther or unclear
- More playground shade and winter indoor playgroupsResident asks for more shade at playgrounds and more indoor playgroups during winter.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Hygiene facilities and supplies near Mass and CassResident asks for toilets, sinks, showers and basic supplies like soap, towels and menstrual products near Mass and Cass for unhoused people, as a harm-reduction measure.2026–27South BostonHomelessness & shelter
- Trees or shade sails at Millennium PlaygroundResident asks for trees or shade sails at city playgrounds like Millennium Playground to reduce heat and burn risk so families can use them safely in summer.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Street trees on Washington Street, Downtown CrossingResident asks for street trees on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing to reduce urban heat and make the area more attractive.2026–27Beacon HillParks, trees & climate
- Shade over playground equipment, starting in low-income areasResident asks for shade structures over play equipment at city playgrounds, starting in the lowest-income neighborhoods, since equipment gets too hot to touch and these families have fewer cooling options.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Public bathrooms in all T stationsResident asks for public bathrooms to be provided in all MBTA stations.2026–27City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Casino sweepstakes promotion (not a city proposal)Submission appears to be filler promotional text about a casino partnership sweepstakes, not a request for a city project.2026–27DowntownOther or unclear
- More affordable housing and apartmentsResident asks for more affordable housing and apartments to increase residents' spending power and reduce homelessness.2026–27City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Casino sweepstakes promotion (not a city proposal)Submission appears to be filler promotional text about a casino partnership and sweepstakes, not a request for a city project.2026–27DowntownOther or unclear
- Solar panels over city parking lotsResident proposes solar canopies over city-owned parking lots to generate revenue, cut carbon and provide shade, and suggests including MBTA properties.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Lighting on Cambridge Street Mass Pike overpassResident asks for better lighting for pedestrians and cyclists on the Cambridge Street overpass above the Mass Pike, where the sidewalks are very dark.2026–27AllstonPublic safety & crime prevention
- Easier after-school vouchers for low-income single mothersResident asks for easier access to vouchers for after-school programs for single and low-income mothers, to help those who are working or looking for work.2026–27City-wideYouth programs & schoolsSubmitted in Spanish
- More shade and tree canopy at playgroundsResident asks for more man-made shade and tree canopy at city playgrounds, citing Fallon Field, so children and caretakers can use free parks safely in summer.2026–27RoslindaleParks, trees & climate
- Community-tended mini urban forestsResident proposes planting small Miyawaki-style urban forests on small lots, with community members helping create and care for them, to bring green space to low-income neighborhoods.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Vertical plant walls in areas without shadeResident proposes vertical plant walls in exposed areas lacking tree cover to reduce extreme heat in the city's hottest, lower-income neighborhoods.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Shade structures at city playgroundsResident asks for shade structures at city playgrounds to protect kids from heat and UV, especially for families without backyards in neighborhoods with little tree canopy.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate