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
- Intergenerational lifelong learning hubsResident proposes learning hubs in community centers and libraries where seniors share crafts and wisdom with youth and youth teach technology skills, connecting generations.2025–26City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Fund Tree Eastie to finish East Boston canopyResident asks the City to give funding to Tree Eastie to complete East Boston's tree canopy, since trees clean air near the airport and highways where asthma and COPD rates are high.2025–26East BostonParks, trees & climate
- Mobile science and environmental education unitsResident proposes mobile units that bring hands-on science and environmental learning to neighborhoods, partnering with hospitals and research centers, to widen access for low-income communities.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Universal basic income pilot for 150 familiesResident proposes a one-year pilot giving 150 families $500 per month, totaling $1 million, citing reduced crime and support for working families.2025–26City-wideOther or unclear
- Renovate the Strand Theater in DorchesterResident asks to fund improvements to the old, shabby Strand Theater to support the arts and revitalize the neighborhood; the text mentions Worcester but describes Dorchester.2025–26DorchesterArts & culture
- Free AI literacy and digital ethics workshopsResident asks for free neighborhood workshops in community centers and libraries to build practical AI literacy and understanding of digital ethics.2025–26City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- Free STEAM after-school and weekend programsResident asks for free or low-cost after-school and weekend hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs in community facilities, especially in underserved neighborhoods.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Free AP Biology exam prep programResident proposes a free AP Biology prep program with BPS and local universities, led by volunteers, to give low-income students equal access to exam support.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Free SAT prep with universities and BPSResident proposes a free SAT prep program with Boston Public Schools and area universities, using volunteer students and teachers, to reduce cost barriers for low-income students.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Non-punitive helpline for people needing help on streetResident asks for a phone number to call when someone on the street needs help, connecting them to resources in a non-punitive way.2025–26City-wideMental health & substance use
- Shade awnings at street cornersResident asks for awnings or shade structures at intersections where pedestrians face long waits for the walk signal, to protect them from the elements.2025–26Jamaica PlainPedestrian & bike safety
- Small street closures in front of schoolsResident asks for small-scale street closures in front of schools to calm traffic and improve safety.2025–26City-widePedestrian & bike safety
- Extend Mass Ave protected bike lanes southResident asks to extend protected bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue as far south as possible for safety, less driving and reduced speeding.2025–26FenwayPedestrian & bike safety
- Redesign Centre Street with bike lanes and sidewalksResident asks to redesign Centre Street in Jamaica Plain like Inman Square in Cambridge, with protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, parklets and seating while keeping two-way traffic.2025–26Jamaica PlainPedestrian & bike safety
- Boston Harbor seagrass restorationResident proposes restoring seagrass meadows in Boston Harbor through scientific assessment, planting and community engagement.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Better public cooling centersResident asks to upgrade community centers and libraries as cooling centers with better air conditioning, seating, water stations and multilingual signage for heat relief.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Plant-based food education in K-12 curriculumResident asks for mandatory, age-appropriate K-12 lessons on plant-based food and the environmental impact of animal agriculture.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Multilingual heatwave safety educationResident asks for multilingual materials on hydration, heatstroke symptoms and cooling center locations to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.2025–26City-wideHealth care access
- Sidewalk on street with heavy navigation-app trafficResident asks for a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway on a side street where map apps send many cars, making it dangerous for residents.2025–26BrightonPedestrian & bike safety
- Plant-based options on BPS school menusResident asks for appealing, nutritious plant-based meals as a regular option on all Boston Public Schools menus for health and environmental benefits.2025–26City-wideFood access
- Plant-based cooking workshops and grocery guidesResident proposes cooking workshops, recipe sharing and grocery guides to encourage eating more plant-based foods and improve access to healthy, affordable food.2025–26City-wideFood access
- Education on plant-based diets and food systemsResident proposes a citywide initiative educating residents and policymakers about food systems and the health and environmental benefits of plant-based diets.2025–26City-wideFood access
- Tree planting in low-canopy neighborhoodsResident proposes a targeted tree planting and green infrastructure program in low-canopy, high-pavement areas to reduce heat and improve air quality.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Inclusive, adaptive play equipment in parksResident asks to renovate parks and create community hubs with inclusive, adaptive play and recreation equipment for people of all ages and abilities.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Natural cool zones in parksResident asks for cool zones in parks using trees, misting stations, water play features and signs directing people to them.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate