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
- More patrol officers in Roxbury, Dorchester, MattapanThe resident proposes cutting salaries of the mayor, her staff and city council by 40% to fund more BPD patrol officers with higher starting pay in Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan.2026–27City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- Heat relief for low-income communitiesThe resident notes that low-income communities get very hot and families cannot afford much air conditioning, implying a need for heat relief.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- More green space across BostonThe resident asks for more green spaces, especially in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color, to provide calming, safe and fun open areas.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- More greenery and air conditioning in hot communitiesThe resident asks for more greenery and air conditioning in all communities to reduce heat and improve well-being equitably.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Pedestrianize Canal Street in the West EndThe resident asks the funds support the City's plan to pedestrianize Canal Street, creating a greener, safer and more pleasant space for foot traffic and events.2026–27West EndPedestrian & bike safety
- Solar panels on municipal lots benefiting heat-burdened residentsThe resident asks for solar panels on all municipal lots, with the benefits, such as covered electricity costs, going to residents of the hottest neighborhoods.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Free Wi-Fi on commuter railThe resident asks for free Wi-Fi on commuter rail trains so riders can work or study during long commutes, which could also encourage public transit use.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- Covered and protected bike parkingThe resident asks the City to provide covered, secure bike parking that protects bikes from weather and theft, supporting people who bike.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- Install an oyster upweller for water qualityThe resident asks to install an oyster upweller, an incubator for baby oysters, to educate the public, grow the oyster population and filter the water.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Fill potholes and repave streets citywideThe resident asks for funds to fill potholes and repave streets, noting the worst streets are in Dorchester and Mattapan and that potholes damage cars and worsen traffic.2026–27City-wideStreet & sidewalk repair
- Youth-led community meals networkThe resident describes a youth-led network where nonprofits share and distribute healthy, culturally appropriate meals, aiming to improve food access and build youth leadership and workforce skills.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Fund studies to expand trolley and rail linesThe resident asks to put the funds toward scoping and studies to expand trolley and subway lines, including completing the GLX and extending the Orange and Blue lines, for connectivity equity.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- Community gathering space at Arborway bus yardThe resident asks that community land at the Arborway bus yard become a gathering space with a plaza, fab lab, auditorium, gallery, startup spaces and food, since JP lacks a large venue.2026–27DowntownLibraries, digital & civic life
- Interactive learning installations in public spacesThe resident asks for more interactive, multigenerational learning spaces like Playful Learning Landscapes, such as puzzles or hopscotch at bus stops, so all residents can access enrichment.2026–27City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- JP Clean & Green senior-youth stewardship squadsThe resident proposes pairing seniors and youth aged 8–15 in Jamaica Plain stewardship squads for cleanups, tree planting, snow clearing and workshops to reduce social isolation.2026–27Jamaica PlainOlder adult support
- Community pharmacy or grocery store in RoxburyThe resident asks for a public-private partnership to open a community pharmacy or grocery store in Roxbury, which lost pharmacies and Daily Table.2026–27RoxburyHealth care access
- More benches at bus stops and commercial streetsThe resident asks for more benches and seating, especially at bus stops and busy commercial streets, so elderly and disabled people, and families can rest in public.2026–27City-wideTransit & getting around
- Citywide rat control, especially in AllstonThe resident asks for stronger rat control citywide, especially in Allston, such as new trash cans or a rat czar, so people can walk at night without encountering rats.2026–27City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Plastic reduction working committee and zero waste officeThe resident asks for a plastic reduction committee and zero waste office with education and reduction efforts, citing climate and health harms of single-use plastic.2026–27City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Fund animal rescue and low-cost spay/neuter servicesThe resident asks for city funding to nonprofits providing animal rescue, trap-neuter-return, free vet clinics and spay/neuter services in low-income areas.2026–27City-wideOther or unclear
- Free high-quality pre-K for children in povertyThe resident asks for a free, high-quality pre-K program with small classes, highly trained teachers and family case management for children in poverty, to close opportunity gaps.2026–27City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Multicultural community festival benefiting homeless sheltersThe resident proposes a community festival with foods from different cultures and activities, with leftover money donated to homeless services and shelters.2026–27City-wideArts & culture
- Fund food gardens and expand food pantriesThe resident asks to put the funds toward vegetable and fruit gardens and expanded food pantries, believing access to healthy food is a human right.2026–27City-wideFood access
- Free or low-cost year-round test prep centerThe resident asks for a free or low-cost standardized test prep center (SAT, GRE, LSAT, GMAT) for low-income residents who may lack test preparation in their schools.2026–27City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Youth music programs for Boston kidsThe resident asks for support for youth music programming, citing benefits for school attendance, achievement and behavior, and names H&H as a leading provider.2026–27City-wideArts & culture