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
- Pilot year-round youth employment at $18-24/hourResident proposes a pilot program offering young people year-round jobs paying $18-24 an hour, marketed to Black and brown youth and centered on racial equity.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Year-round youth jobs with higher payResident asks that youth jobs run year-round and pay $18-24 an hour.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- International incubator kitchen and development centerResident proposes an international incubator kitchen and development center to support culinary entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, promoting economic growth, skill development, cultural exchange and equity.2024–25RoxburyAdult jobs & small business
- Year-round youth jobs paying $18-24 per hourResident asks for 12-month, well-paid youth jobs for ages 14-24 at $18-24 an hour to help close financial gaps facing families.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Year-round well-paid youth jobs up to age 24Resident asks for good-paying youth jobs lasting the full year rather than eight months, run with community organizations and open to people up to 24, for equity in wages and experience.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Housing stability support for youth and familiesResident asks for housing resources for youth and families so no young person lives on the street or couch-surfs without stable housing.2024–25City-wideHomelessness & shelter
- Fund youth groups for youth mental health supportResident asks the City to spend the full $5 million participatory budget and give grants and contracts to youth groups providing community mental health support for young people.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Jobs and programs for young adults after aging outResident asks for assistance, jobs and programs for young adults to continue supporting them after they age out of youth programs.2024–25City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Congestion pricing for downtown BostonResident proposes electronic tolling and congestion pricing downtown to cut traffic and pollution, fund the MBTA and other projects, and possibly free garages for affordable housing.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- More baby feeding and changing stations citywideResident asks for more mother-baby friendly public areas, including feeding and changing stations, to make it easier for families with young children.2024–25City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Safer, accessible pedestrian crossing at dangerous intersectionResident asks for a better pedestrian crossing at a dangerous, confusing intersection that is hard to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs.2024–25BrightonPedestrian & bike safety
- Better bus and train stops in Brighton and AllstonResident asks for more user-friendly bus and train stops in Brighton and Allston with better shelter from extreme heat and cold.2024–25City-wideTransit & getting around
- Plant more trees in BrightonResident asks for more trees in Brighton, noting a clear temperature difference from neighboring Brookline streets and that lack of greenery makes summers hard to bear outdoors.2024–25BrightonParks, trees & climate
- Food pantries and community fridges at librariesResident proposes monthly food pantries and community fridges at public libraries, partnering with food rescue groups and volunteers, creating about 26 accessible food sites at low cost.2024–25City-wideFood access
- Fund Boston Public Library and raise staff payResident asks that money go to the Boston Public Library and that library assistants receive a pay increase, since the library is free and helps many people daily.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Plant trees in low-income neighborhoods with youth programResident asks for more tree planting and maintenance in low-income Black and immigrant neighborhoods, paired with a youth recreation program, to reduce heat and improve climate equity.2024–25City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Help residents find work suited to themResident proposes a project helping every person in the City and state identify work they want and can do, leading to lifelong employment.2024–25City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Mentoring and support for single mothersResident, a single mother, asks for mentoring, groups and activities for single mothers, especially those who lost loved ones to gun violence, as no such resources exist.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use
- Safer dangerous intersections near the Emerald NecklaceResident asks for better crosswalks, signals, stop signs or pedestrian bridges at dangerous intersections in Fenway, Longwood, Brookline, JP and the Arboretum, where traffic cuts up the Emerald Necklace.2024–25Jamaica PlainPedestrian & bike safety
- Celebrate friendships across social and political dividesResident suggests photo and story projects that depict and celebrate friendships bridging social and political divides.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Civic dialogues and storytelling on Boston's crisesResident proposes civil dialogues where elected officials listen, plus civic storytelling to inform residents about homelessness, affordable housing and addiction.2024–25City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Refugee support centers across the CityResident requests refugee support centers throughout Boston, with ongoing fundraising and daily help with every aspect of transition so refugees can access what they need.2024–25City-wideImmigrant & language support
- More long-term drug treatment and recovery centersResident asks for more drug treatment and recovery centers, staff and data-driven, long-term support with jobs and resources, citing the link between trauma, mental illness, homelessness and overdose.2024–25City-wideMental health & substance use