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
- Curb extensions and speed humps near parksResident asks for curb extensions, daylighting and speed humps at crosswalks around parks so people can cross the street safely.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Public restrooms at all parks and public spacesResident asks for public restrooms, portable or permanent, at all parks and green spaces so people need not patronize businesses, which especially burdens lower-income residents.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Clean and repair parks, streets and fund MBTAResident asks for fixing and cleaning parks and streets, helping schools and funding the MBTA to make the city cleaner and nicer.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- 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
- Hire neighborhood residents to clean streetsResident asks the city to hire people who live in each neighborhood to clean its streets.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- 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
- Police patrols in Common and GardenResident asks for police patrols of the Common and Public Garden, especially around Brewer Fountain, to address littering, vandalism, drug use, graffiti and public intoxication.2024–25Beacon HillPublic safety & crime prevention
- 24/7 public toilets on Boston CommonResident asks for permanent public toilets open all hours on the Common, regularly cleaned by local hires and patrolled by police to prevent misuse by drug users.2024–25Beacon HillClean streets & restrooms
- 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
- Plant trees on Mass Ave medianResident asks for trees to be planted along the median on Massachusetts Avenue.2024–25RoxburyParks, trees & climate
- Educate residents about emerging technologyResident asks for a system to educate local citizens about new technology so all Bostonians can keep up and be on a level playing field.2024–25East BostonLibraries, digital & civic life
- Modernize community centers with servicesResident asks to modernize community centers with updated facilities, new programs and services like job training, mental health counseling and financial literacy to foster engagement and equity.2024–25City-wideRecreation facilities & sports
- 24/7 public restrooms in parks and transit stopsResident asks for public restrooms, portable or permanent, open 24/7 in major parks and near busy train and bus stops, maintained by Public Works, including for unhoused people.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Free directory of locally owned businessesResident asks for a free app or website listing only locally owned independent businesses so people can shop local, helping businesses still struggling after the pandemic.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Community events fund for residentsResident asks for a fund that individual residents can apply to for hosting community events without needing nonprofit status or a sponsor, since accessible event funding is lacking.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Transparent parking fines and late-fee relief fundResident asks for transparency on where parking fine money goes and a fund to help seniors, low-income people and single parents pay late fees that often double ticket costs.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Citywide community band open to allResident asks for a citywide community band open to musicians of any background and skill level, giving people who play instruments a place to perform.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- BetOnYouth skills and work experience for young adultsResident proposes an initiative giving young adults aged 18-30 skills, work experience and resources to foster leadership and innovation, with equal access for marginalized youth.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Extend Orange Line to Roslindale and Hyde ParkResident asks to extend the Orange Line to Roslindale and Hyde Park using existing commuter rail tracks, to improve transit access for Hyde Park.2024–25Hyde ParkTransit & getting around
- Youth multi-use space in Fields CornerResident asks for a multi-use space with a gym, classrooms and teaching kitchen in Fields Corner so nonprofits can offer youth programming, as the area near Town Field Park lacks resources.2024–25DorchesterYouth programs & schools
- Youth drug use prevention programResident asks for a youth program to prevent drug use that is accessible to low-income communities.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Youth addiction prevention programResident asks for a program to prevent addiction among young people, promoting equality for low-resource communities.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Address early youth addiction and vapingResident is concerned about very early addiction among young people, including e-cigarettes and addictive substances, and wants the community to unite to address it regardless of race or color.2024–25East BostonMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Addiction education for youth and parentsResident asks for programs that teach young people and their parents about addiction and how to support youth, accessible to low-income communities and people of color.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Prevent and control drug sales in parksResident asks for prevention and control of drug sales in parks, noting the focus should include people of other nationalities, not only residents and citizens.2024–25City-widePublic safety & crime preventionSubmitted in Spanish