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
- Invest in local businesses and community centersInvest more in local businesses and community centers that offer mental wellbeing and financial literacy resources while boosting the local economy.2024–25DorchesterAdult jobs & small business
- Even, better sidewalks citywideImprove sidewalks so they are even, preventing injuries and encouraging access, especially where cars take up most street space.2024–25City-wideStreet & sidewalk repair
- Safer roads to protect pedestriansFund safer roads and road features to protect pedestrians, noting preventable pedestrian deaths in the community.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Public kitchens and food centers in DorchesterCreate more public kitchens and food centers, especially in Dorchester, offering fresh, healthier, less processed food and more ingredient choices.2024–25City-wideFood access
- Weapon turn-in and exchange standReduce guns and knives on the street by setting up a place to turn in weapons or exchange them for other needs.2024–25City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- More teen gathering plazasBuild more plazas with a variety of activities, since there are few places for teens to go in Boston.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Education for incarcerated youthProvide tutors and schooling for youth in jails and DYS facilities so they can get educated and find work after release.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Make the MBTA saferImprove safety on the MBTA, possibly with more security guards but through a broader conversation, since many young people depend on it and don't feel safe.2024–25City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- Multi-arts learning centers with mentorshipCreate centers where people can learn many art skills, with mentorship programs, building community and a sense of belonging.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- More trees and shade in RoxburyExpand the city's process for planting trees and creating shady areas in Roxbury to support residents' health and wellbeing.2024–25RoxburyParks, trees & climate
- 24/7 mental health crisis response teamCreate a mental health crisis response team that operates around the clock to support residents' wellbeing.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- City-funded Roxbury art activations and cultural festivalFund local art activations in Roxbury, including a cultural festival celebrating the neighborhood's history with local food and artists.2024–25RoxburyArts & culture
- Accessible, pet-friendly recreational spacesCreate walkable, disability-friendly and pet-friendly recreational spaces where residents can relax and interact, promoting health and well-being.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Mobile resources including tool library and care vansFund mobile resources such as care vans, markets, school resources and a mobile tool library that the community can use.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Study of nonprofits' impact on Boston educationFund a city study of how nonprofits affect Boston education, particularly in relation to gentrification and public funding.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- City-funded tool lending libraryFund a tool library where residents can borrow free tools, especially expensive ones like drills and saws.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Open-access community gardens in neighborhoodsCreate more community gardens open to all, where people can take a plant if they replace it, building community and green space access.2024–25RoxburyParks, trees & climate
- More vocational training programs and schoolsFund more carpentry and vocational programs and schools like Madison Park, since knowing a trade makes it easier to get a job.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Performance spaces in parksBuild amphitheaters, raised stages and power outlets into parks, especially in Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury, to support live performance, arts and music.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- Pedestrian bridges at dangerous intersectionsBuild pedestrian bridges to protect people from high-speed traffic, noting that young people have died at certain intersections.2024–25Hyde ParkPedestrian & bike safety
- Mother and child shelter for immigrant familiesCreate a mother and child family shelter for immigrants arriving in Boston to help them get settled in the city.2024–25MattapanHomelessness & shelter
- More green space and dog parksCreate more green spaces, especially more dog parks.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Late-night recreation centers for adultsOpen more late-night recreation centers for adults with sports, gyms and lounges, since such spaces are scarce and would connect people across neighborhoods.2024–25City-wideRecreation facilities & sports
- Cleanliness and recycling education workshopsOffer educational workshops on cleanliness and recycling to teach residents to keep the city clean.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restroomsSubmitted in Spanish
- More child careResident says child care is needed in the city and says it would promote social equality.2024–25BrightonYouth programs & schoolsSubmitted in Portuguese