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
- Express buses from southern neighborhoods to downtownUse the funds for express buses from Mattapan, Ashmont, Cleary Square and Roslindale to downtown Boston, Cambridge and Back Bay, to fill transit gaps.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Rent control for low-income housingEstablish rent control and guidelines for landlords to protect low-income renters and keep housing affordable.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Signage on redesigned city streetsAdd new signs on every street that has been redesigned so drivers understand the changes, reducing confusion and accidents.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Citywide air pollution studyResident asks for a citywide air pollution study, citing worsening traffic and air quality and higher rates of asthma among people of color.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Plant trees on Blue Hill Ave instead of bike lanesResident asks that trees be planted on Blue Hill Avenue rather than bike lanes, saying working-class neighborhoods have lost trees.2024–25DorchesterParks, trees & climate
- Flashing yellow lights at mid-block crosswalksResident asks for flashing yellow lights at crosswalks not at signaled intersections, since drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians.2024–25City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Clean up and modernize the Neponset TrailResident asks to clean, modernize and promote the Neponset Trail and build a traffic-separated bike path, so nearby working-class residents feel safe using it.2024–25MattapanParks, trees & climate
- Museum dedicated to the City of BostonResident proposes a city history museum to educate newer Bostonians about Boston's diverse history, including the Massachusett and Wampanoag Nations, and boost tourism.2024–25South Boston WaterfrontArts & culture
- Recognize Boston's First Nations through exhibits and a parkResident asks for exhibits at City Hall and the Central Library, a park and statues, and a dedicated internship to acknowledge the First Nations of Boston.2024–25City-wideArts & culture
- Pedestrian bridge to the beachResident asks for a pedestrian bridge connecting people to the beach so everyone has access to waterways.2024–25DorchesterPedestrian & bike safety
- Fines for littering and mandatory trash can useResident asks for littering fines and required trash can use, citing trash around South End trees and spreading rodent problems.2024–25South EndClean streets & restrooms
- Landlord accountability program and tenant advocacy officeResident proposes a Tenant Advocacy Office offering free legal aid and an online platform for tenant reviews and landlord transparency to protect vulnerable renters.2024–25City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Free Bluebikes memberships for more residentsResident asks for free Bluebikes memberships for more Boston residents, based on youth, income or neighborhood, to expand transportation access.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Allow Women's Lunch Place shelter to be builtResident supports allowing the Women's Lunch Place shelter to be built, arguing homelessness and addiction services should be spread across neighborhoods rather than concentrated in Black and Brown ones.2024–25Beacon HillHomelessness & shelter
- Harvard should pay taxes on its hotelResident says Harvard should pay taxes on its new hotel and that the revenue could fund transportation improvements in Hyde Park, Mattapan, West Roxbury and Dorchester.2024–25AllstonOther or unclear
- Real-time digital signs at all T stationsResident asks for digital signage at all T stations showing real-time arrivals, delays and alerts to reduce uncertainty for riders who rely on transit.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Safe pedestrian crossing at roundabout and I-93 rampsResident asks for pedestrian signals or a footbridge at the roundabout and 93 ramps linking Columbia Rd and William J Day Blvd, so Dorchester residents can safely reach South Boston parks and beaches.2024–25DorchesterPedestrian & bike safety
- Upgrade PA systems at all T stationsResident asks to upgrade station PA systems for clear, timely announcements during disruptions and emergencies, helping riders who depend on transit stay informed.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Express bus from West Roxbury to ABResident asks for an express bus connecting West Roxbury to AB to help diversify the area, ease housing pressure elsewhere and increase job opportunities.2024–25West RoxburyTransit & getting around
- Higher tax on corporate purchases of single-family homesResident asks for a higher tax on corporations buying single-family homes, citing the housing crisis and outside investors hoarding housing.2024–25Jamaica PlainAffordable housing & rent stability
- Water fountains, shade and benches in Mattapan SquareResident asks for water fountains, shaded benches and plantings in Mattapan Square to make a pleasant waiting space for immigrants, many Haitian, using nearby services.2024–25MattapanParks, trees & climate
- City departments tabling at librariesResident asks that city departments staff tables at libraries to share resources, such as senior taxi coupons, with people who cannot get to City Hall.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Mandatory UMass Boston training for city employeesResident asks that all city employees complete training on policy administration, soft skills and Boston history, to improve interactions with community members and restore trust.2024–25City-wideOther or unclear
- Free parking lot near the TResident asks for a free parking lot near a T station so people can partly commute into the city, reducing traffic and improving air quality.2024–25East BostonTransit & getting around
- Free parking lot near the TResident asks for a free parking lot near a T station so people can partly commute into the city, reducing traffic and air pollution.2024–25DorchesterTransit & getting around