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
- Replace gym floor and dividerResident asks to replace the gym floor and divider so a good gym can help people of all ages stay active and healthy.2026–27Jamaica PlainRecreation facilities & sports
- Career exploration for youth in skilled tradesResident asks for practical career exploration helping Boston youth learn about skilled careers, apprenticeships and training pathways, closing an information gap for immigrant and low-income students.2026–27City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- Promote 'Bread on the Hook' free food at storesResident proposes promoting a Turkish solidarity practice where shoppers buy an extra item and leave it at local stores so neighbors in need can discreetly pick up free food.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Celebrate immigrants and create Empowerment HubsResident proposes arts and storytelling celebrating immigrants' contributions, a Welcome and Safe business certification, and neighborhood Immigrant Empowerment Hubs to counter anti-immigrant rhetoric.2026–27City-wideImmigrant & language support
- Pilot for dietitians and fresh local school mealsResident proposes a pilot bringing dietitians and fresh, local meals to Boston schools, inspired by Japan, to improve childhood nutrition and long-term health and academic success.2026–27City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Rehearsal and studio space in unused city buildingsResident asks to convert unused city-owned buildings into free or low-cost rehearsal spots and studios for local artists, performers and nonprofits.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Rooftop community gardens on public and residential buildingsResident proposes turning underused rooftops of city buildings and suitable apartment buildings into community gardens and green spaces, to expand green space and fresh food in dense neighborhoods.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Free art exhibition space in unused public buildingsResident asks to convert unused city-owned buildings into free or low-cost exhibition areas for local artists and nonprofits to promote equitable cultural access.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Mobile library for underserved neighborhoodsResident proposes mobile libraries, like food trucks, carrying books and digital tools to underserved neighborhoods so youth can access reading, learning and technology.2026–27City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Mobile grocery trucks for low-income neighborhoodsResident proposes mobile grocery trucks that visit low-income neighborhoods to bring affordable, healthy and culturally relevant fresh food to underserved communities.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Free seed libraries in city librariesResident proposes seed-sharing cabinets inside city libraries where residents can pick up free vegetable, herb and flower seeds to grow at home.2026–27City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Shade sails over playgrounds and plazasResident asks for seasonal fabric shade sails over exposed concrete playgrounds and plazas in neighborhoods vulnerable to heat.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Solar benches with USB charging in plazasResident asks for durable outdoor benches with small solar panels and USB ports in public plazas for charging mobile devices.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Community talks on AI's environmental costsResident proposes interactive community discussions explaining the hidden environmental costs of AI and data processing so residents can advocate for sustainable tech practices.2026–27City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Equip community gardens with raised beds and irrigationResident asks to supply under-resourced community gardens with raised beds, tool sheds and drip irrigation so low-income and immigrant families can grow fresh, culturally relevant food.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Freeze-proof park fountains with pet bowlsResident asks for freeze-proof drinking fountains with low pet and service animal bowls in high-traffic parks.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Free community garden and gathering space in Allston-BrightonResident wants a free community garden and third space where neighbors can connect and support each other with food access, noting the area has been neglected in green space investment.2026–27BrightonParks, trees & climate
- Portable diagnostic equipment for neighborhood wellness checkupsResident asks to equip community centers and mobile health units with portable non-invasive diagnostic tools to offer free, low-barrier checkups where medical facilities are limited.2026–27City-wideHealth care access
- Fresh food kiosks in low-income neighborhoodsResident proposes climate-controlled fresh food kiosks or mobile carts in low-income neighborhoods, funded in partnership with local hospital nutritionists.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Portable health kits for community center wellness clinicsResident asks to buy portable blood pressure, glucose and biometric screening kits so community centers can host weekly drop-in wellness clinics staffed by nurses or nursing students.2026–27City-wideHealth care access
- Mobile vision and hearing screening vanResident proposes a city van with vision and hearing testing equipment, staffed with teaching hospital partners, to give free screenings, glasses and hearing help at schools and senior centers.2026–27City-wideHealth care access
- Post-partum and infant supply hubs in librariesResident wants supply hubs in neighborhood libraries and family centers stocked with baby gear, nursing supplies and safe-sleep bassinet kits for new families.2026–27City-wideYouth programs & schools
- City-owned vending carts for local craft vendorsResident proposes a fleet of code-compliant city-owned vending carts that local artisans and craft vendors can rent cheaply to start their businesses.2026–27City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Repair gym floor and dividerResident asks to repair the gym floor and divider to improve safety, make the space more flexible and allow multiple programs to run at once.2026–27Jamaica PlainRecreation facilities & sports
- Free neighborhood summer concerts in city parksResident asks for a revived Summer Thing-style series of free park concerts featuring local neighborhood acts, giving youth summer activities and paying local musicians.2026–27City-wideArts & culture