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
- More youth summer jobs and paid internshipsResident asks to increase youth summer jobs and paid internships, such as at City Hall, so students can support themselves and families and gain experience.2026–27City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Repave and restripe Comm Ave outbound service roadResident asks to fix potholes and repaint parking space striping on the outbound Comm Ave utility road, so drivers know which space goes with each meter.2026–27AllstonStreet & sidewalk repair
- Widen narrow sidewalk at Comm Ave service roadResident asks to widen the too-narrow sidewalk at the westbound service road and Comm Ave intersection by narrowing the service road by at least 3 feet.2026–27AllstonStreet & sidewalk repair
- Assistance fund for residents losing TPSResident asks for a pilot fund managed by MOIA to help residents losing TPS cover health or housing costs, responding to federal actions affecting immigrant neighbors.2026–27City-wideImmigrant & language support
- Free bilingual AI and digital skills trainingResident asks for free, practical bilingual AI and digital skills training so immigrants and low-income workers are not left behind by technological change.2026–27East BostonAdult jobs & small business
- Turn city sliver lots into permeable tree-planting sitesResident asks the city to review available public sliver lots and use them only for permeable surfaces and tree planting.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Keep Pier 5 public as waterfront parkResident asks to stop privatization of Pier 5, keep it public for waterfront access, and create a park to balance environmental justice inequities.2026–27CharlestownParks, trees & climate
- Affordable housing in every communityResident asks for affordable housing to provide stable housing for residents in each community.2026–27City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Services and restroom for homeless youth at park siteResident suggests this transit-accessible open site for support services for homeless youth and asks for a public restroom, noting the park lacks one.2026–27BrightonHomelessness & shelter
- Public instrument repair stations with free instrumentsResident asks for public repair stations where apprentices restore donated instruments for free distribution to low-income musicians, also creating paid apprenticeships for local youth.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Mini-stages for local musicians in T stationsResident asks for low-profile, sound-dampened mini-stages in major T transfer stations dedicated to scheduled performances by local musicians.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Donated art supply drop-off and pickup warehouseResident asks for a central warehouse where theaters, production companies and universities donate unused art and lighting supplies for artists to pick up free.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Light and sound art in inactive water infrastructureResident asks to convert inactive municipal water infrastructure into free venues for immersive light art, sound installations and concerts, giving local artists of color affordable space.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Outdoor sculpture exhibits in city building courtyardsResident asks to retrofit underused courtyards of city halls, libraries and administrative buildings with pedestals and lighting for free outdoor sculpture exhibits.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Weekly open-air food markets in neighborhoodsResident asks for rotating weekly open-air food bazaars across Boston neighborhoods, like Haymarket, focused on affordable bulk food to address food insecurity.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Move MBTA bus stops closer togetherResident asks to bring MBTA bus stops closer to their original spots, since widened spacing forces longer walks, especially for people with mobility challenges.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- Neighborhood night markets for local businesses and artisansResident asks for neighborhood night markets with rented pop-up tents and mobile power stations so small businesses and artisans can reach foot traffic without financial risk.2026–27City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Seed funding to convert businesses to worker co-opsResident asks for seed funding and guidance to help employees turn existing local businesses into worker-owned co-ops, building wealth and job security for low-wage workers and people of color.2026–27City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Shaded benches near senior homesResident asks for shaded benches with good back support along walking routes near senior homes.2026–27City-wideOlder adult support
- Accessible self-cleaning public restrooms in busy districtsResident asks for modern, self-cleaning, accessible and safe public restrooms in high-traffic commercial and transit districts.2026–27City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Central animal control and low-cost spay/neuterResident asks to move Animal Care and Control to a more central location for Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan and to offer low-cost spay/neuter services.2026–27City-wideOther or unclear
- Summer and year-round youth jobsResident asks for public summer and year-round youth jobs to build career skills, add family income, reduce youth violence and give all teens a fair chance.2026–27City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Regional leadership academy for Greater Roxbury residentsResident asks for a leadership academy taught by civic leaders to teach Greater Roxbury residents about local government and raise low voter turnout.2026–27RoxburyLibraries, digital & civic life
- Late-night transportation help after midnightResident asks for a transportation service or outreach after 12am so people do not become stranded and can be connected to resources.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- More help for elderly peopleResident asks for more help for elderly people, without giving specifics.2026–27City-wideOlder adult support