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 green space on sidewalks for heat reliefResident asks for more greenery in sidewalks and public spaces to provide natural shade and heat protection and help the environment, especially in heat-affected communities.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Redistribute and compost excess foodResident asks for funding for programs that distribute excess food and compost it, focusing on communities with less access to food and composting.2025–26City-wideFood access
- Free indoor community gathering spaceResident asks for a free indoor space where community members and groups can hold gatherings, events and meetings without restrictions.2025–26East BostonLibraries, digital & civic life
- Safer, more extensive bus and train serviceResident asks for extended bus and train routes, more staff presence, security cameras at stations and upgraded transit technology so underserved communities have safe, reliable transit.2025–26City-wideTransit & getting around
- Make Lopresti safer and more funResident asks for improvements to Lopresti so that different people can have fun there and feel safe.2025–26City-wideRecreation facilities & sports
- Funding for community food gardensResident asks for funding for gardens so low-income households can grow food and gain more access to food.2025–26City-wideFood access
- Public devices with free internet accessResident asks for publicly accessible phones or devices with internet, because lack of a device blocks job opportunities, including for homeless people trying to return to work.2025–26City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Community mental health spaces for connectionResident asks for mental health spaces where community members can talk and share, so people feel more connected to each other and can support one another in person.2025–26City-wideMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Public restroom at Chinatown gateBuild a clean, safe public restroom near the Chinatown "Tian Xia Wei Gong" gate.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restroomsSubmitted in Chinese
- Repair pavement and add park recreation for seniorsFix cracks and potholes in areas used by pedestrians and older adults, and add park recreation facilities so seniors have more places to be active.2025–26City-wideStreet & sidewalk repairSubmitted in Chinese
- Public restroom at Chinatown gateBuild a clean, safe public restroom near the Chinatown "Tian Xia Wei Gong" gate.2025–26ChinatownClean streets & restroomsSubmitted in Chinese
- Repair cracks and potholes near community sitesFix ground cracks and potholes in areas used by pedestrians and older adults, such as community centers, medical facilities and schools, to improve safety.2025–26ChinatownStreet & sidewalk repairSubmitted in Chinese
- Repair cracks and potholes near community sitesFix ground cracks and potholes in areas used by pedestrians and older adults, such as community centers, medical facilities and schools, to improve safety.2025–26ChinatownStreet & sidewalk repairSubmitted in Chinese
- Municipal parking lot near Speedway on Western AveBuild a municipal lot near the Speedway on Western Ave to replace parking lost to bike lanes, helping visitors reach local businesses owned mostly by women, immigrants and people of color.2025–26AllstonTransit & getting around
- Prioritize green design in public space projectsWhen redesigning spaces like Copley Square, prioritize environmentally friendly design and avoid replacing green space with pavement.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Better traffic signals at Roslindale intersectionsInstall better, more visible traffic signals at Roslindale intersections, especially Metropolitan Hill, where frequent accidents endanger drivers, pedestrians, bikers and MBTA buses.2025–26RoslindalePedestrian & bike safety
- Improve education in Boston public schoolsImprove what is taught to students in Boston public schools so all students, regardless of background, have access to a good education.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schoolsSubmitted in Spanish
- More shelters and a rehab shelterCreate more shelters, especially for women and children, plus a rehab shelter for homeless people with addictions, to help them get back on their feet.2025–26City-wideHomelessness & shelter
- Affordable housing and free mental health centersUse the $2 million for affordable housing and free mental health centers citywide, since many people cannot afford a home or therapy.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stabilitySubmitted in Spanish
- Mobile centers delivering free services to neighborhoodsCreate mobile centers bringing free English classes, legal help, employment, mental health services and food to marginalized Black, Latino and immigrant neighborhoods for people who cannot travel.2025–26City-wideImmigrant & language supportSubmitted in Spanish
- Sports, dance and fitness programs for teensCreate fun, safe physical activity programs for teens, like sports, dance and fitness, to keep them active and away from drugs.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Classes on vaping and drug use for youthOffer classes teaching kids the consequences of drug use and vaping, which the resident sees as a major problem among Boston teens and young children.2025–26City-wideMental health & substance use
- Improve bus stops with seating and shelterImprove bus stops, since some lack seating and others are too far apart, so children do not get soaked in the rain.2025–26DorchesterTransit & getting aroundSubmitted in Spanish
- Intensive anti-drug programs in all BPS schoolsProvide an intensive anti-drug system in every BPS school for adolescents struggling with substances, as vaping spreads among students as young as 7th grade and harms their wellbeing.2025–26City-wideMental health & substance useSubmitted in Spanish
- Use owls or shelter cats for rat controlControl Boston's rat population, especially in summer, by using owls or shelter cats with feeding and sleeping stations, reducing disease risk.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms