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.
38 ideas
- Evening programming and lighting at Almont ParkResident asks for funding for evening activation of Almont Park in Mattapan, including lighting, seating, and music, movie nights, vendors and youth performances for a safe gathering place.2026–27MattapanParks, trees & climate
- Blue Hill Avenue bus lanesResident asks the city to build bus lanes on Blue Hill Avenue, saying most residents support it, half of street users ride the bus and funding is available.2026–27MattapanTransit & getting around
- Trade program using green spaces, for Haitian youthResident proposes a trade program, noting available green spaces and Haitian community resources, to provide job opportunities and keep youth away from violence.2026–27MattapanYouth jobs & fellowshipsSubmitted in Korean
- Use Torchlight Recovery Cafe to help residentsResident asks to use Torchlight Recovery Cafe to help people with health, housing, safety and other concerns so everyone can live more productively.2026–27MattapanMental health & substance use
- Plant trees on Blue Hill Ave medianThe resident asks for trees on the Blue Hill Avenue median in Mattapan, noting nearby suburbs have more trees and Mattapan is mostly pavement.2026–27MattapanParks, trees & climate
- Repair Hennigan gym flooring, dividers and air conditioningThe resident asks for new flooring, dividers and air conditioning at the BCYF Hennigan gym.2026–27MattapanRecreation facilities & sports
- Arts and theater community centers in MattapanCreate community centers in Mattapan with visual arts and performing theater to empower local artists of color and advance the community through the arts.2025–26MattapanArts & cultureSubmitted in Spanish
- Restore Simco's neon sign on Blue Hill AveRestore the deteriorating neon signage at Simco's, a long-standing Mattapan landmark, to improve the look of Blue Hill Ave and lift community morale.2025–26MattapanArts & culture
- Equitable mental health care in Roxbury, Dorchester, MattapanResident asks for neighborhood-based mental health services in communities of color, with culturally and linguistically matched providers and trained local peer supporters, to improve access and trust.2025–26MattapanMental health & substance use
- Support a Mattapan-set feature screenplay for productionResident seeks support to produce a screenplay set in Mattapan that promotes conversations about forgiveness, positive views of law enforcement and gun violence awareness.2025–26MattapanArts & culture
- Mobile trailer farms for fresh produceThe resident proposes mobile trailer farms growing fresh fruit and vegetables year round, also teaching K-12 youth urban agriculture skills, to improve food access in food deserts.2025–26MattapanFood access
- Mattapan affordable housing and workforce opportunitiesResident asks the city to partner with Mattapan organizations and community development corporations to support affordable housing and provide education and workforce opportunities for youth, adults and seniors.2025–26MattapanAffordable housing & rent stability
- Better housing, schools and more public pollsResident wants better housing such as condos with porch, yard and parking, along with better schools and more local polls for the public.2025–26MattapanAffordable housing & rent stability
- Multi-use arts space in Mattapan SquareResident asks the city to buy an old building in Mattapan Square and make it a multi-use space like Cambridge's Dance Complex for arts, wellness and classes, aiding local economic development.2024–25MattapanArts & culture
- Teen app for resources and opportunitiesResident proposes a teen app showing available resources, services, jobs, community events and service opportunities, since these are not well advertised to youth.2024–25MattapanLibraries, digital & civic life
- Teen jobs access and safety resource appResident wants jobs to be more accessible to teens and suggests an app promoting safety, career programs, mental health centers and connections between services and community issues.2024–25MattapanYouth jobs & fellowships
- Youth hobby development centerResident proposes funding a hobby development center where youth of all ages can build talents and skills useful for future jobs.2024–25MattapanYouth programs & schools
- 24-hour workspace with computers and flex spaceResident proposes a 24-hour workspace with computers and flexible space where entrepreneurs teach crafts like gardening, tea making, knitting or dance, so neighbors learn new skills.2024–25MattapanLibraries, digital & civic life
- More affordable housing for low-income city familiesCreate more affordable housing for low-income working families who live in the city and have children in local schools and are barely getting by.2024–25MattapanAffordable housing & rent stability
- Fix uneven, narrow sidewalks blocked by treesResident asks for cracks and tree roots to be fixed and some trees removed so sidewalks are wide enough and safe for wheelchairs and walkers.2024–25MattapanStreet & sidewalk repair
- Serious sidewalk repairs, especially in minority neighborhoodsResident says sidewalks need major repair and that services are not equal in minority neighborhoods.2024–25MattapanStreet & sidewalk repair
- Speed bumps on Babson StreetResident asks for speed bumps on Babson Street and for repairs to the street and sidewalks.2024–25MattapanPedestrian & bike safety
- Clean up Mattapan SquareResident asks for a cleanup of Mattapan Square, to bring more resources to all neighborhoods.2024–25MattapanClean streets & restrooms
- Snow and ice clearing help for seniorsA 93-year-old widow with no relatives asks for a program to help seniors clear snow and ice so they can stay home safely.2024–25MattapanOlder adult support
- Traffic calming and one-way on Babson StreetResident asks to make Babson St one way, add speed bumps and post 20 mph signs to ease heavy traffic and speeding, especially at school dismissal.2024–25MattapanPedestrian & bike safety