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 monthly economics courses in each neighborhoodOffer monthly free weekend 'Economics for Emancipation' courses in every neighborhood for immigrants, women and working-class people, creating a regular learning space.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Street paving and lightingResident asks for repaving of streets and better street lighting.2024–25City-wideStreet & sidewalk repairSubmitted in Spanish
- BIPOC-centered community garden with outdoor kitchenCreate more community garden plots, including a BIPOC-centered garden and food forest with an outdoor kitchen, as a shared space for cross-cultural meals and gatherings.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Community fair for young peopleHold a community fair with food, rides and music because there is little for young people to do in Boston, keeping youth out of trouble and building community.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Transparent criteria for community organization awardsAsks what criteria the City uses to decide which community organizations receive awards, wanting merit-based selection rather than favoritism.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Clear criteria for city grants and awardsAsks whether specific criteria and accountability exist for choosing grant, award and contract recipients, and proposes quarterly impact reports to prevent favoritism and reward merit.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Assess safety of bike lanesAssess how safe the bike lanes are, since people unaware of them, especially elderly residents and those with cognitive challenges, could be harmed.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- List of elected officials' accomplishments for votersCreate an easily accessible list of elected officials' accomplishments so residents can see who is effective at meeting constituent needs when deciding how to vote.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Retime pedestrian signals for longer crossingAsks the city to retime pedestrian signals so walk phases last whenever no vehicle conflict exists, giving people more time to cross and reducing jaywalking.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Independent office to review city initiativesCalls for an independent office, separate from the Mayor and councilors, to assess city initiatives before implementation as a check and balance.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Native ivy on City Hall wallsSuggests growing native ivy on City Hall and other public buildings to save on air conditioning, add greenery and help areas with low tree equity.2024–25DowntownParks, trees & climate
- Breast cancer education and mammogram vansRequests breast cancer education and mobile mammogram vans, especially for women and men of color, to promote early detection as cases increase.2024–25City-wideHealth care access
- Free trolley from JFK/UMass to Castle IslandProposes free, regular tram or trolley rides between JFK/UMass station and Castle Island to reduce car use and improve beach access and traffic.2024–25South BostonTransit & getting around
- Green space and social prescribing for wellbeingProposes adding green space and community activities as social prescribing to address loneliness, mental health and addiction by building belonging and connection.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Speed bumps on Norwell StreetAsks for speed bumps on Norwell Street in Dorchester because it has become dangerous and hard to cross.2024–25DorchesterPedestrian & bike safety
- 12-month guaranteed basic income pilotProposes a one-year guaranteed basic income pilot for Boston's most housing- and economically insecure residents to help them meet basic needs.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- AI language learning platform Happy PlumPromotes a private AI-powered, gamified language learning platform that saves teachers time and gives parents progress tracking.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Walkable neighborhoods with sidewalks, bike lanes, transitProposes improving sidewalks, bike lanes, transit and traffic calming, plus housing and public spaces, to reduce car dependency and improve safety and accessibility.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- New school building for Donald McKay SchoolRequests a new building for the Donald McKay school with modern facilities for East Boston students, including arts rooms, gyms and libraries.2024–25East BostonYouth programs & schools
- Enforce sanitation rules on problem propertyAsks the city to hold management companies accountable for sanitation and rat-infested conditions at a problem property on Blue Hill Avenue and improve responsiveness to cleanliness complaints.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Voluntary rent control with property tax breaksProposes a voluntary program giving landlords real estate tax breaks if they keep rents below market, helping tenants and small landlords without mandatory rent control.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Free youth seminars on finance and life skillsProposes free seminars with experts for youth on finances, entrepreneurship, homebuying, investing and more, with parent participation, to teach topics not covered in schools.2024–25City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Benches and trees in Allston and BrightonRequests benches and trees across Allston and Brighton for rest, shade and carbon removal, helping neighborhoods cope with hotter weather.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Speed bumps on a speeding streetSupports a neighbor's petition for speed bumps because cars speed daily and the resident has nearly been hit crossing with their daughters.2024–25Hyde ParkPedestrian & bike safety
- Expand transit network and build housing near itAsks for dedicated bus and bike lanes and more housing near transit, to improve affordability and reduce reliance on expensive cars.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around