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.
39 ideas
- Resources for drug users near CopleyThe resident asks for resources and services to support people who use drugs in the area around Copley.2026–27Back BayMental health & substance useSubmitted in Korean
- Protect and resurface bike lane near CommonResident wants the bike lane around the Common and Public Garden protected by more than paint or flexposts and resurfaced, since it is a key connector in the bike network.2026–27Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Physical barrier to protect cyclists at Boylston turnResident asks for a quick-build concrete barrier to stop left-turning cars from clipping cyclists waiting at the light on Boylston, where turning cars create crash risk.2026–27Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Accessible Harvard Bridge–Esplanade connection with bike lane linkResident asks to adapt the Harvard Bridge and Esplanade connection to be wheelchair accessible and link directly to bike lanes, since few footbridges to the Esplanade are ADA compliant.2026–27Back BayStreet & sidewalk repair
- Remove cement boarding blocking computer lab windowResident asks to remove cement boarding that blocks a window in a computer lab so people can see outside, and to place green walls elsewhere.2026–27Back BayOther or unclearSubmitted in Korean
- Food truck space on Dartmouth StreetResident asks to close a traffic lane on Dartmouth Street between the park and library for food trucks, giving local eateries affordable opportunities and activating the Copley Connect space.2026–27Back BayAdult jobs & small business
- Fix uneven sidewalks on Newbury StreetThe resident asks for repair of Newbury Street sidewalks made uneven by tree roots, saying people fall and the resident has been injured.2026–27Back BayStreet & sidewalk repair
- More pedestrian access points to the EsplanadeThe resident asks for more pedestrian entrances to the Charles River parks, because current entrances are spaced far apart and limit access.2026–27Back BayParks, trees & climate
- Play and bathing areas for petsResident asks for zones where pets can play and bathe, to help pets.2026–27Back BayParks, trees & climate
- More funding for Boston Public Library Special CollectionsThe resident asks for more resources for the BPL Special Collections Department, which holds art, archives, music and rare books created by people from all walks of life.2026–27Back BayLibraries, digital & civic life
- Improve bathrooms at Copley LibraryResident asks for better bathrooms at the Copley Library near the plaza, since the library is one of few free public places to spend time.2026–27Back BayClean streets & restrooms
- Commonwealth Ave cycle track, crossings and Newbury closuresResident asks for permanent light exhibitions, a two-way cycle track in the median and safer crossings on Commonwealth Avenue, plus weekend and holiday car closures of Newbury Street.2026–27Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- ADA-accessible Comm Ave Mall crossingsResident asks to reduce vehicle crossings of the Comm Ave Mall and add raised crosswalks so the park path is accessible to all pedestrians and ADA compliant.2026–27Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Make Newbury Street a full-time pedestrian spaceResident asks to pedestrianize Newbury Street full time, with retractable bollards for morning deliveries, to protect vulnerable road users, reduce emissions and support businesses.2026–27Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- More bathrooms on the EsplanadeResident asks for more restrooms on the Esplanade to prevent human waste ending up in the Charles River and to help park visitors.2025–26Back BayClean streets & restrooms
- Flower Piano public pianos on the EsplanadeResident proposes bringing a Flower Piano event to Boston, placing public pianos along the Esplanade for 10 days so community members and musicians can play in a free shared concert space.2025–26Back BayArts & culture
- Clean up Back Bay station and pigeonsResident asks for Back Bay station to be cleaned and improved, noting it looks dirty and is swarming with pigeons, to make transit more appealing and accessible.2025–26Back BayClean streets & restrooms
- Close Dartmouth St during Open Newbury StreetResident proposes a pilot closing Dartmouth Street between Copley Square and the BPL on Open Newbury Street days because of heavy foot traffic and driving alternatives.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Bat houses along the EsplanadeThe resident asks for bat houses along the Esplanade to grow bat populations, teach about ecology and reduce mosquitoes.2025–26Back BayParks, trees & climate
- Protected bike lane on Mass AveResident asks for a protected bike lane on Massachusetts Avenue to keep people who cannot afford cars from being killed.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Year-round Sunday Open Newbury StreetResident asks the city to extend Open Newbury Street to a year-round Sunday event, funding road closure barriers and operating costs, to improve outdoor mobility and business opportunities.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Contraflow bike lane on Dartmouth StreetResident asks for a contraflow bike lane on Dartmouth from St James to the Southwest Corridor entrance, because no safe route currently connects Back Bay to the Corridor.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Foot patrols targeting all crimesResident asks for police to patrol on foot and aggressively pursue all crimes, even minor ones like littering, to make everyone safer.2024–25Back BayPublic safety & crime prevention
- Fund law and order in Back BayResident asks for funding to support law and order, get drugs off the streets and reduce homelessness in Back Bay and Boston proper, because the city feels less safe.2024–25Back BayPublic safety & crime prevention
- Protected bike connection on Dartmouth StreetThe resident asks for a bike-friendly connection between the Charles River Esplanade and the Southwest Corridor on Dartmouth Street, since existing lanes are unprotected and one-directional.2024–25Back BayPedestrian & bike safety