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
- Improve Arnold Arboretum crosswalk near Walter StreetResident asks to improve the busy crosswalk between Flora Way Gate and Peter's Hill Gate at the Arnold Arboretum, on the JP-Roslindale border, for safety.2025–26Jamaica PlainPedestrian & bike safety
- AMBER Alert notices and more light at Walsh PlaygroundResident asks for AMBER Alert notices in parks and stores and more lighting at Walsh Playground and other playgrounds, and also raises anti-discrimination and workplace anti-bullying legislation.2025–26City-widePublic safety & crime prevention
- Life-skills and trades learning center with stipendsResident asks to reopen a closed center for home economics, trades and financial literacy for all ages, staffed by trade students who receive stipends invested for them.2025–26City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Public indoor playgrounds for winterResident asks for publicly accessible indoor playgrounds, perhaps in malls or near supermarkets as in Mexico City, so low-income families have free winter play options.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Water fountains on main streets and squaresResident asks for water fountains on main streets and squares throughout the city.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Fund food assistance amid federal SNAP cutsResident asks for funds to address food insecurity, noting SNAP could use support because of federal cuts.2025–26City-wideFood access
- More pervious pavement citywideResident asks for more pervious pavement wherever possible, to benefit water systems and the environment and keep water clean.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Trees on sidewalk between MGH and Storrow DriveResident asks for leafy, preferably native trees along the sidewalk between MGH and Storrow Drive, which is very hot in summer and cold in winter.2025–26West EndParks, trees & climate
- Improve crowded North End sidewalksResident asks to improve sidewalks on Salem, Richmond and Prince Streets, where crowding pushes people into the street, and possibly close some streets to cars, for ADA access and safety.2025–26North EndStreet & sidewalk repair
- Smokers' box and Chinatown Connect green spaceResident asks for a designated smoking box on Mason Street for cleaner air, and for turning parcels over the highway into green space with community garden plots.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Short-term garage parking at meter-like ratesResident asks the City to partner with parking garages to offer short-term rates comparable to street meters, easing limited parking and encouraging social gatherings in Boston.2025–26City-wideTransit & getting around
- Paid teen and underemployed civic work with union workersResident asks for contracts paying teens and underemployed residents, alongside union workers, to fill potholes and build green infrastructure, teaching skills and giving back.2025–26City-wideYouth jobs & fellowships
- $1,000 incentive for requesting street trees in EJ areasResident proposes paying $1,000 to environmental justice community households that successfully request street trees, to build acceptance and reduce heat islands.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Roxbury Black Wall Street heritage conferenceResident proposes a cultural and museum conference on Roxbury's Black Wall Street, 1900-1965, turning research and oral histories into performance, music, art and reenactment.2025–26City-wideArts & culture
- Renovate the gym at Quincy Community CenterResident asks to revitalize the decaying gym at Quincy Community Center to provide safe, inclusive access to sports and events for the community.2025–26ChinatownRecreation facilities & sports
- Reduce fossil fuel use for cleaner airResident suggests reducing the amount of fossil fuels burned to keep air clean and residents healthier.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Senior tax relief, BPS and affordable housing fundingResident asks to spend funds on helping seniors pay property taxes, supporting BPS including Madison Park trade programs, and affordable housing for low- and middle-income people.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Outdoor beer gardensResident proposes outdoor beer gardens, saying minorities enjoy beer too.2025–26City-wideOther or unclear
- Flashing walk signals at K Circle crosswalksResident asks for flashing pedestrian signs at each crosswalk at K Circle, a dangerous busy intersection, without waiting for future development.2025–26DorchesterPedestrian & bike safety
- Plant trees on Bennington StreetResident asks for more trees along stretches of Bennington Street that are all concrete, to reduce heat that disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Culturally responsive mental health for Chinatown seniorsResident asks for culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for Chinese-speaking older adults in Chinatown, reducing language and cultural barriers to care.2025–26ChinatownMental health & substance use
- City tree assessments for private homeownersResident asks the City to offer assessments of trees on private property and incentives for removal when needed, since such trees often damage power lines during storms.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Reopen Carney with pediatric urgent careResident asks to reopen the Carney with an emergency or urgent care unit equipped for sick and injured children, since nearby pediatric emergency departments are overcrowded.2025–26DorchesterHealth care access
- More staffing for BCYF after-school and tutoringResident asks to increase staffing at each BCYF center to provide safe after-school programming and tutoring for school-age kids.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Free air conditioners and power cost helpResident asks for an AC unit distribution program with funding to offset electricity costs, helping low-income residents stay cool and safe during heat waves.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability