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
- Free workshops to rebuild social comfort after pandemicThe resident asks for free workshops with refreshments that teach conversation and collaboration with strangers, using the arts to build trust after pandemic isolation.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- Transition home for people released from prisonThe resident proposes buying an 8-10 unit multi-family building as a transition home for people released from prison, with employer partnerships to support employment and reentry.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Convert gas stations to household goods refill stationsThe resident suggests turning gas stations into refill stations for household goods like shampoo and soap, since electric cars reduce the need for gas.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Graffiti artists paint basketball courts citywideThe resident asks for local graffiti artists to paint their own designs on basketball courts across the city.2024–25BrightonArts & culture
- 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
- Murals on old USPS mailboxes by local artistsThe resident asks for murals on old USPS mailboxes painted by BIPOC artists selected in each community, with artist profiles available online.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- Gun safety classes for adultsThe resident asks for gun safety information and classes for adults 18 and over to help reduce gun violence and accidents.2024–25RoxburyPublic safety & crime prevention
- Buy an art gallery in Roxbury or MattapanThe resident asks the City to set money aside to buy Boston's first art gallery in Roxbury or Mattapan, bringing BIPOC artists closer to where people live.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- 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
- More public trash cans and pickupsThe resident asks for more public trash cans and more frequent trash truck pickups to reduce odors and dirty sidewalks.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- More budget for school field tripsThe resident asks for more budget for school field trips.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- 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
- Keep Comm Ave Mall white lights on year-roundThe resident asks to keep the white lights on the Commonwealth Ave mall all year, ideally solar-powered, because they are beautiful and make walking in the dark safer.2024–25Back BayPublic safety & crime prevention
- Earlier library hours and human rights programmingThe resident asks for all Boston libraries, including Roxbury, to open at 8am and to offer human rights book sections and monthly seminars.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Spend funds on rodent control and sterilizationThe resident asks that the full $2 million go to rodent control, including partnering with MIT researchers on a rat sterilization formula, citing health, safety and quality of life.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Park upgrades and repairsThe resident asks for park upgrades and repairs so people have outdoor space to be active.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Fix potholes and promote friendly drivingThe resident asks for all potholes to be fixed and for programs or announcements encouraging respectful driving, to save drivers money on tire damage.2024–25City-wideStreet & sidewalk repair
- Tiny homes or repurposed MBTA vehicles as housingThe resident asks to turn unused MBTA trains or buses, or tiny homes, into housing for people experiencing homelessness, to quickly address the housing crisis for families.2024–25City-wideHomelessness & shelter
- Funding for self-defense classesThe resident asks for funding for self-defense classes to improve health, build confidence and help people stay safe.2024–25City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- Shelters, charging and heating at all bus stopsThe resident asks that every bus stop have a shelter, charging stations and heating.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Program addressing root causes of incarcerationThe resident asks for a program addressing the root causes of disproportionate incarceration, including wealth and education disparities, stigma and lack of mental health support.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Funding for heritage language classesThe resident asks for funding for heritage language classes, such as Vietnamese, so students gain knowledge and appreciation of multiple languages and cultures.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Free GED, language and driving classesThe resident asks for free GED, language and driving classes for residents.2024–25City-wideImmigrant & language support
- More trash receptacles and repainted street linesThe resident asks for more trash cans and for street lines to be repainted.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Plant fruit trees around the cityThe resident asks for fruit trees planted around the city to provide shade, better air quality and mental and physical health benefits.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate