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
- Budgeting classes for low and middle-income seniorsResident suggests banks or business schools teach budgeting classes for low, middle and working seniors at accessible times and places citywide, to help people stretch fixed incomes and save.2024–25City-wideOlder adult support
- Refurbish Josiah Quincy school community center gymResident asks to renovate the gym's floor, wall panels, bleachers, ventilation, divider and scoreboard, because it is the only free public recreation facility in dense Chinatown.2024–25ChinatownRecreation facilities & sports
- Re-engineer and resurface Mt Vernon StreetResident asks to resurface the steep, narrow, pothole-filled Mt Vernon St and rebuild the sidewalk as one full-width sidewalk on a single side, since it currently disappears halfway.2024–25BrightonStreet & sidewalk repair
- Extend Cambridge Street bike lane with green bike boxResident asks to remove about five parking spots on Cambridge St at Sparhawk to extend the bike lane and add a green bike box so cyclists can wait safely.2024–25AllstonPedestrian & bike safety
- Plant trees on Cambridge Street and Harvard AvenueResident asks for trees on Cambridge Street and Harvard Avenue in Allston.2024–25AllstonParks, trees & climate
- Artist residency, workshops and community arts programResident proposes an arts program with a shared artist studio, skills workshops, funded public art and festivals, and a digital platform to foster local talent.2024–25UnspecifiedArts & culture
- School supply closet for teachersResident proposes a supply closet in schools where teachers can get classroom supplies instead of paying out of pocket, so students have the tools they need.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Free CPR classes at community centers and librariesResident asks for free CPR classes offered in community centers or libraries.2024–25City-wideHealth care access
- Teacher professional development through Campus Without WallsResident promotes Campus Without Walls, which offers teachers high-quality professional development and connects students and classrooms across schools and districts to reduce geographic and socioeconomic barriers.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Community fitness space under Storrow Drive ramp overpassResident asks to turn vacant green space under the Storrow Drive ramp overpass into a community fitness space with senior, after-school and wellness programs.2024–25FenwayRecreation facilities & sports
- 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 BPS funding for restorative justiceResident asks for more Boston Public Schools funding for restorative justice, arguing punishment is ineffective and harms Black and Brown children.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Mental health care for returning citizensResident asks for specialized mental health programming for people returning from incarceration, noting incarceration disproportionately affects communities of color.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- More re-entry workshops and resourcesResident asks for more re-entry workshops and resources for formerly incarcerated people returning to society, to lower recidivism and support those without a support system.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Paid grant-writing training for formerly incarcerated peopleResident proposes a six-month paid grant-writing program for formerly incarcerated people, offering temporary work and a path to long-term employment with organizations needing grant writers.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Nonprofits supporting people with mental illnessResident proposes building nonprofit organizations to help people with mental illness and related health care issues, open to all ethnicities.2024–25East BostonMental health & substance use
- Library lending of music, crafts, tools and techResident asks the library to loan non-book items such as music, crafts, tools and technology.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- More police patrols and cleanup near Emancipation parkResident reports people sleeping in an unkept park and rule-breaking motorbike delivery drivers near their building, and asks for a cleanup, help for those sleeping outside, and more police patrols.2024–25DowntownPublic safety & crime prevention
- Make all Charlestown parks handicap accessibleResident asks to upgrade every Charlestown park with accessible swings and play structures, noting only Thomas Menino Park currently has any.2024–25CharlestownParks, trees & climate
- More jobsResident asks for more jobs because some people are employed and others are not.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small businessSubmitted in Spanish
- More doctors and street medical tents for the uninsuredResident asks for more doctors, closer appointments, and street tents with medical tools for people without insurance or money, so care is equal for all.2024–25City-wideHealth care accessSubmitted in Spanish
- Youth gym with instructors before and after schoolResident asks for a youth gym open before and after school with instructors teaching exercise, to support physical and mental health.2024–25City-wideRecreation facilities & sportsSubmitted in Spanish
- More fresh, affordable food for all residentsResident asks for more fresh or lower-priced food options and financial help so everyone gets quality food, helping reduce illnesses tied to processed products.2024–25Hyde ParkFood accessSubmitted in Spanish
- Fix 45 bus detour from Blue Hill Ave constructionResident notes construction on Blue Hill Ave forces the 45 Franklin Park bus to detour, affecting riders who use the route to get home.2024–25RoxburyTransit & getting around
- Trolley for rerouted 45 bus near Blue HillResident says long Blue Hill construction has rerouted the 45 bus and inconveniences many; suggests a trolley serving stops the bus no longer reaches.2024–25RoxburyTransit & getting around