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
- Remove parking permits and bus lanesResident asks to end resident parking permits and remove bus lanes, saying they take up road and parking space and limit who can enjoy parts of the city.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Non-electric bicycle vouchers for those in needResident proposes a voucher program for non-electric bicycles for people with disabilities, low incomes and seniors, to reduce car use and carbon emissions.2024–25CharlestownTransit & getting around
- Review police precinct footage and complaint handlingResident asks the Police Commissioner to review precinct footage from a 2012 incident and make systemic changes, citing officers' treatment of someone who requested a badge number and tried to file a report.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Workplace protections and legal support for workersResident shares an article supporting equitable legal protection and remedies for workers facing workplace abuse, mobbing and racism, particularly vulnerable essential workers.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- More dog parksResident asks for more dog parks so residents with limited time or money have a free place for their dogs, which benefit emotional wellbeing.2024–25UnspecifiedParks, trees & climate
- Turn empty Roxbury lot into neighborhood gardenResident asks to convert an unused lot in Roxbury into a community garden that provides outdoor activities and fresh, healthy produce for an underserved community.2024–25Jamaica PlainParks, trees & climate
- More public toilets near parks and bus routesResident asks for more publicly funded restrooms across the city, especially near parks and major bus routes like Boston Common, Roxbury Crossing and the Southwest Corridor, so everyone can use a bathroom with dignity.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Education on harm reduction and policing historyResident asks for more public education on harm reduction and the history of policing, and for mental health workers rather than police to handle such situations.2024–25Beacon HillMental health & substance use
- BPS and health center partnership for children's vision careResident asks for a partnership between Boston Public Schools and health centers to provide eye exams and glasses, since many children fail screenings, wait months for exams, and lack help navigating care.2024–25City-wideHealth care access
- Safety marshals instead of police in tourist areasResident asks for less police presence in busy tourist areas, using public events and safety marshals to watch the street instead, because police presence does not make Black and brown residents feel safe.2024–25Back BayPublic safety & crime prevention
- Fund housing nonprofits instead of policing unhoused peopleResident asks the city to invest in nonprofits that provide housing access and care for people on the street without forcing recovery, rather than relying on police presence.2024–25Back BayHomelessness & shelter
- Speed humps on Corey and Brainerd RoadsResident requests speed humps on Corey Road and Brainerd Road because drivers constantly speed, endangering the many young children and families in the area.2024–25BrightonPedestrian & bike safety
- Redesign unsafe crosswalk near Whole FoodsResident asks for a redesigned crosswalk because parked cars block driver sightlines and lighting is poor, causing near-misses with left-turning cars. A safer crossing would help nearby elder care residents.2024–25BrightonPedestrian & bike safety
- Planters and native plants for wide sidewalksProvide planters, compost, soil and native plants to property owners to add greenery on wide sidewalks, reducing heat island effects and increasing biodiversity.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Recycling bins beside every public trash canAdd a recycling receptacle wherever there is a municipal trash can, starting at sports-only parks like Cassidy Park, to reduce single-use plastic waste.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Spend on immediate fixes like roads and rentSpend funds on things that can be fixed or improved immediately, such as roads, food, trains, healthcare, rent and utilities, rather than long-term projects.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Healing art studio for youth hurt by violenceCreate a nonprofit art studio for ages 14-24, especially those affected by gun violence, to heal through art and teach skills to younger peers.2024–25DorchesterArts & culture
- Classes on US society at sheltersBring a podcast team to shelters to teach residents about US society, rights, racism, discrimination and violence through classes.2024–25City-wideImmigrant & language support
- Wellness and recovery campus at ShattuckDevelop with residents a wellness and recovery campus at Shattuck to address the opioid epidemic and neighbors' housing, health and economic insecurity.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Boston history artifacts for roving library exhibitPurchase Boston history artifacts for a roving exhibit at BPL branches, then store them in the library's special collections for future use.2024–25CharlestownArts & culture
- More benches in public placesInstall more benches at malls, T stops and streets, since the lack of seating is painful for elderly, disabled and physically challenged people.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Solar panels on Charlestown fire stationsInstall solar panels on the roofs of both Charlestown fire stations to cut electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint.2024–25CharlestownParks, trees & climate
- Telescopes and microscopes for children at community centersBuy telescopes and microscopes in bulk and distribute them to children through city community centers for self-education.2024–25CharlestownYouth programs & schools
- Trash cans for small buildings to curb ratsProvide trash cans in various sizes to buildings with five or fewer units to help stop the spread of rats and pests.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Improve Brighton library branchUpgrade the Brighton library branch with more windows, more community space and more books, as it is a public resource.2024–25BrightonLibraries, digital & civic life