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
- Add more greenery across Boston neighborhoodsResident asks for significantly more trees, plants and greenery, especially in poorer neighborhoods with little green space, for climate, health and quality of life.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Reuse vacant buildings, clean public spaces, community safetyResident asks to reuse vacant buildings for parking or public space, clean up benches in parks and bus stops, support community safety groups, and hold cultural events that connect non-English-speaking residents to local resources.2025–26ChinatownClean streets & restroomsSubmitted in Chinese
- Repair Roslindale streets and sidewalksResident asks for money to repair streets and sidewalks in Roslindale that are in poor shape and dangerous for cars, bikes and pedestrians.2025–26RoslindaleStreet & sidewalk repair
- Computer program and computers for seniorsResident asks for a computer program for seniors to learn new skills and build social connections, with computers given to learners as an incentive.2025–26ChinatownLibraries, digital & civic lifeSubmitted in Chinese
- Match state funds to study Orange Line extensionResident asks the city to match the state's $100,000 to study extending the Orange Line to Roslindale and on to the WREC, since the school site lacks transit access.2025–26West RoxburyTransit & getting around
- Computer classes and free computers for seniorsResident asks for computer classes for seniors to learn new skills, with computers provided to learners as encouragement.2025–26ChinatownLibraries, digital & civic lifeSubmitted in Chinese
- Chinese-language computer classes for seniorsResident asks for Chinese-language computer classes for older adults so they can learn new skills and manage better in the community.2025–26ChinatownLibraries, digital & civic lifeSubmitted in Chinese
- Protected bike lane on Mass AveResident asks for a protected bike lane on Massachusetts Avenue to keep people who cannot afford cars from being killed.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Plant wildflowers on Boston Common slopesResident asks for wildflower seeds to be planted each spring on the unmowed, weedy slopes of Boston Common along Beacon and Park Streets.2025–26Beacon HillParks, trees & climate
- Lower rents and make affordable housing truly affordableResident asks that funds go toward lowering rents, saying landlords are taking advantage and new affordable housing is not truly affordable for struggling residents.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Year-round Sunday Open Newbury StreetResident asks the city to extend Open Newbury Street to a year-round Sunday event, funding road closure barriers and operating costs, to improve outdoor mobility and business opportunities.2025–26Back BayPedestrian & bike safety
- Community CPR/AED classes with BMCResident suggests community CPR and AED training classes in partnership with Boston Medical Center.2025–26BrightonHealth care access
- Convert Sumner Elementary into pilot childcare centerResident proposes turning Sumner Elementary School into a childcare center with the Boys & Girls Club, offering free tuition for 30-50% AMI families, a Youth Connect office and arts-based programs.2025–26RoslindaleYouth programs & schools
- Free drinking fountains in public spacesResident asks for public drinking water fountains in parks and multi-use areas, especially as the city gets hotter, since buying clean water is costly.2025–26RoslindaleParks, trees & climate
- Clothes, shoes, books and food for childrenResident wants children to have clothing, shoes, books and enough food amid economic changes, having seen many hungry students while working at a charter school.2025–26DorchesterFood access
- Make streets transit, bike and pedestrian orientedResident asks for speed bumps, bike lanes and raised crossings so people can get around safely without a car, improving safety and equity in lower-income and Black and brown neighborhoods.2025–26City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Housing relief and more affordable family-sized unitsResident asks for a housing relief program and more affordable units and townhomes, including family-sized homes spread across more neighborhoods, to counter displacement, cost burden and the racial wealth gap.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- More public restrooms accessible to everyoneResident asks for more public restrooms so people experiencing homelessness, tourists, parents, and seniors with incontinence can take part in public life.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Public restrooms near transit stopsResident asks for public restrooms near transit stops, noting a real need among unhoused people that also benefits all residents.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Free public restrooms near parks and transitResident asks for free public restrooms located near parks and transit stops.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Free 24/7 accessible restrooms near public transitResident asks for more free, accessible restrooms near public transit that are open 24/7.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- More public bathrooms for all peopleResident asks for more public bathrooms as a necessary public service for everyone.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Public restroomsResident asks for more public restrooms.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Brighter lighting for neighborhood safety at nightResident asks for better lighting in the neighborhood so people feel safer at night, especially those coming home from work, given high crime.2025–26UnspecifiedPublic safety & crime prevention
- Recreation for older adults and lighting in unsafe areasResident asks for recreation programs for older adults and public street lighting in dangerous places.2025–26City-wideOlder adult supportSubmitted in Spanish