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
- Fresher food in city programs and free cooking lessonsThe resident asks for fresher, more varied fruits and vegetables in city food programs and free cooking lessons at community centers, to help those who can't afford better food.2024–25City-wideFood access
- Health center with childcare and free foodThe resident proposes a health care center that offers on-site daycare for parents who can't leave children at home and also gives away food.2024–25City-wideHealth care access
- Free therapy, art programs and neighborhood circlesThe resident asks for mental health resources such as free therapy, art programs and neighborhood circles.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Family center for seniors, adults and youthThe resident asks for a family center with cooking, dance, art and college extra-credit courses for all ages, to bring families together and advance equity.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Art hubs in every neighborhoodThe resident asks for an art hub in each neighborhood.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- Family intervention, treatment and violence prevention programsThe resident asks for family interventions, more substance abuse treatment, and more violence prevention and social justice programs.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Restore and expand overhead trolley bus wiresThe resident asks the city to put up and expand overhead wires for buses rather than battery buses, saying better transit helps disadvantaged people get to work.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Fix potholes and lighting; fund elderly mealsThe resident wants spending focused on basic potholes and lighting and on elderly meals and city workers, rather than on non-citizens.2024–25City-wideStreet & sidewalk repair
- Repurpose imperfect produce from marketsThe resident proposes using cosmetically imperfect fruits and vegetables from local and chain markets, teaching communities to repurpose food and giving access to fresh produce.2024–25City-wideFood access
- WNBA team for BostonThe resident says Boston needs a WNBA team.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- A library for ReadvilleThe resident asks for a library in Readville, possibly at the Phillips Brooks reading room, since reaching the Hyde Park library is hard without a car.2024–25AllstonLibraries, digital & civic life
- 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
- Rent cap policy to stop displacementThe resident asks for a rent cap policy as the top priority, citing lack of affordable housing and gentrification displacing residents.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Open streets on Hanover StreetThe resident asks for Hanover Street to be made an open, car-free street.2024–25North EndPedestrian & bike safety
- Prioritize needs of elders, women, children and disabledThe resident's idea is unclear but suggests prioritizing services for elders, retirees, women, children and people with disabilities and questioning the intent of programs.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Upgrade parks, YMCA and centers; support special needs familiesThe resident wants parks, the YMCA and community centers upgraded with new equipment and more cultural programming, plus support groups for special needs children and families.2024–25DorchesterRecreation facilities & sports
- Convert old train cars and build tiny homesThe resident proposes using retired train cars, which have heat and AC, as housing, along with tiny homes, similar to trailer homes.2024–25City-wideHomelessness & shelter
- Rat control and trash cans blocking sidewalksThe resident raises rats and cleanliness, noting trash cans left out after pickup make passing on sidewalks difficult.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Education about trash pickupThe resident asks for public education about trash pickup.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Address food insecurityThe resident says food is needed to survive, attend school and work, and asks for action on food insecurity.2024–25City-wideFood access
- Stable and affordable housingThe resident asks for housing that is stable and affordable.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Blue light emergency phones beyond college areasThe resident asks for blue light emergency stations in areas that are not just near colleges, to improve safety and fairness.2024–25City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- Access to foodThe resident asks for better access to food, linking the issue to social and racial inequity.2024–25City-wideFood accessSubmitted in Spanish
- Addiction programs for people experiencing homelessnessThe resident asks for programs to help homeless people with their addictions.2024–25RoxburyHomelessness & shelter
- Sexual health education organizations for young peopleThe resident says many young people are not informed about the consequences of sex and sexually transmitted diseases and asks for organizations to inform and educate them.2024–25City-wideHealth care accessSubmitted in Spanish