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.
21 ideas
- Shared trash bins pilot in South EndResident proposes piloting shared neighborhood dumpsters like NYC's bins in the South End instead of curbside trash bags, to help control rats.2026–27South EndClean streets & restrooms
- Housing for homeless people near Melnea CassResident asks for help getting homeless people housed near Melnea Cass Boulevard.2026–27South EndHomelessness & shelter
- Bring back the Bean Town Jazz FestResident asks the City to help revive the Bean Town Jazz Fest, previously run with Berklee, hiring professional musicians to celebrate Black art and bring the neighborhood together.2026–27South EndArts & culture
- End-to-end protected bike lane on Mass AveResident asks for a continuous protected bike lane along Mass Ave because the current design is dangerous and the street is a key route for vulnerable road users.2026–27South EndPedestrian & bike safety
- Redevelop vacant Shawmut Avenue buildingsResident asks the City to incentivize redevelopment of long-vacant buildings on Shawmut Ave, creating a second main street in the South End with businesses serving a wider range of residents.2026–27South EndAdult jobs & small business
- Pilot city-owned grocery at former South End Foodie'sResident suggests the City pilot a city-owned grocery store at the closed Foodie's site in the South End, to reduce food deserts and possibly replicate elsewhere.2026–27South EndFood access
- Fix South Boston streets and add parkingResident asks for South Boston street repairs and more parking spots, noting the area is largely low-income Black and brown residents.2026–27South EndStreet & sidewalk repair
- Healthy food, health fairs and social workers in District 7Resident suggests District 7 funds buying healthy food, supporting health fairs, and paying social workers to support single mothers.2025–26South EndFood access
- Public drinking fountains at Mass and CassResident asks the City to install public water fountains at Mass and Cass, where there are none despite heat waves, to help people experiencing homelessness and those seeking care.2025–26South EndParks, trees & climate
- Public volleyball courtsResident asks for public volleyball courts, a popular sport among Americans and Hispanic residents, so people from different cultures can connect through play.2025–26South EndRecreation facilities & sports
- More help for people experiencing homelessnessProvide more assistance to people facing homelessness, as the resident feels the neighborhood has become unsafe with many people on the street.2025–26South EndHomelessness & shelter
- Replace South End brick sidewalks with safer onesRemove the brick sidewalks in the South End and replace them with regular sidewalks, because they are dangerous, especially for older people; the resident fell recently.2025–26South EndStreet & sidewalk repair
- Pave potholes in the South EndResident asks the city to repair potholes in the South End, calling the roads very poor and a basic service need.2024–25South EndStreet & sidewalk repair
- Greenery and shade on Turnpike overpassesResident asks for greenery or shade on the Harrison, Washington and Shawmut overpasses over the Turnpike, which get unbearably hot for South End, Bay Village and Chinatown residents crossing daily.2024–25South EndParks, trees & climate
- Food banks, soup kitchens and shelterResident asks for more food banks, soup kitchens and shelter for people in need.2024–25South EndFood access
- Youth mental health support in the South EndThe resident asks for more mental health support for youth in the South End, especially Black and Brown young people, to reduce stress.2024–25South EndMental health & substance use
- Change construction hours to reduce noiseThe resident asks for different construction hours so that neighbors can sleep without being disturbed by noise.2024–25South EndOther or unclear
- Rotating local artist space at Copley libraryThe resident asks for a rotating exhibit space for local artists in the Central Boston Public Library at Copley, with short artist biographies.2024–25South EndArts & culture
- Fines for littering and mandatory trash can useResident asks for littering fines and required trash can use, citing trash around South End trees and spreading rodent problems.2024–25South EndClean streets & restrooms
- Safer Harrison and Traveler intersectionRedo signals and add traffic calming and raised sidewalks at Harrison and Traveler in the South End to protect pedestrians and cyclists.2024–25South EndPedestrian & bike safety
- Humane solution for Mass & CassResident asks the city to address conditions at Mass & Cass humanely, noting that people there are affected by economic hardship and the opioid crisis.2024–25South EndHomelessness & shelter