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
- Replace South End brick sidewalks with safer onesRemove the brick sidewalks in the South End and replace them with regular sidewalks, because they are dangerous, especially for older people; the resident fell recently.2025–26South EndStreet & sidewalk repair
- Circular energy projectProposes a 'circular energy' project to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and air pollutants, and that could be replicated elsewhere. Few details are given.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Better splash pads, free after-school care, youth tutoring jobsImprove parks and pools with splash pads that run without holding a button, offer free before and after-school programs, create teen tutoring jobs, and add senior centers in every neighborhood.2025–26UnspecifiedYouth programs & schools
- Community website to navigate health care and basic needsBuild open, transparent community-based websites that help people find health care and basic living services in the city.2025–26City-wideLibraries, digital & civic life
- More public trash cans and rat-proof binsAdd more public trash cans and provide metal and rubber rat-proof trash cans for residents.2025–26BrightonClean streets & restrooms
- Better recycling, trash and compost separation in apartmentsImprove the separation of recycling, trash and compost in large apartment buildings.2025–26BrightonClean streets & restrooms
- Battery and PFAS disposal and pickup informationProvide battery collection times, pickup options, and information on where to dispose of PFAS items.2025–26BrightonOther or unclear
- Senior community activity space in East BostonCreate a place in East Boston where older adults can join community activities, so everyone in the community is included.2025–26East BostonOlder adult support
- More green spaces and parks in East BostonThe resident asks for community resources and more green spaces with parks for children in East Boston so the whole community can share them.2025–26East BostonParks, trees & climate
- More lighting in East Boston parks and stationsThe resident asks for more lights in parks and the most-used train stations in East Boston to protect all residents.2025–26East BostonPublic safety & crime prevention
- Larger, affordable senior housing unitsThe resident asks for senior housing big enough for an additional person to live with them, saying current units are too small and expensive, to prevent loneliness.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Two-bedroom units in new senior housingThe resident asks that newly built senior residences have two bedrooms so seniors always have room for caregivers, supporting their mental and emotional health.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Artistic repainting of Red Line bridge over Charles StThe resident asks to paint the Red Line bridge over Charles Street artistically to brighten the decaying bridge and benefit the community.2025–26UnspecifiedStreet & sidewalk repair
- Youth center and YMCA membership vouchersThe resident asks for vouchers giving families in Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan and Jamaica Plain free youth center and YMCA memberships, since many cannot afford them.2025–26RoxburyRecreation facilities & sports
- Free learn-to-swim classesThe resident asks for free swim classes for kids and adults, since many low-income and Black and brown residents cannot afford lessons and swimming saves lives.2025–26RoxburyRecreation facilities & sports
- Affordable housing and rental assistance for allThe resident asks for affordable housing and more rental assistance funding for all residents regardless of income, to reduce housing insecurity.2025–26City-wideAffordable housing & rent stability
- Affordable before and after school programsThe resident asks for funding to increase affordable before- and after-school programming for young people.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Affordable youth programs, parks and recreation centersThe resident asks for affordable youth programs, more parks and recreation centers, and counselors to help youth get along and become community minded.2025–26City-wideYouth programs & schools
- Holistic wellness center in Black and brown communitiesThe resident asks for a wellness center offering free or affordable yoga, safe movement, nutrition and more in Black and brown communities.2025–26DorchesterHealth care access
- Fund for Black community care and businessThe resident asks for a fund investing directly in care and business development for Black community members to create more equal access to funding.2025–26City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Shelter for households over income limitsThe resident asks for funding to expand shelter services for individuals and families who exceed income limits but cannot afford housing, to ease the cliff effect.2025–26City-wideHomelessness & shelter
- Funding for entrepreneurs aged 50 and overThe resident asks for funding to assist entrepreneurs and business owners aged 50 and older, who are often left out of funding because of ageism.2025–26City-wideAdult jobs & small business
- Pet waste signage and bag stationsThe resident asks for more pet waste signage citywide and more pet bag stations at dog parks to keep streets clean and help control rats.2025–26City-wideClean streets & restrooms
- Culturally focused community gardens in East BostonThe resident asks for more community gardens where families can grow culturally typical foods, since many East Boston families have limited access to fresh produce.2025–26City-wideParks, trees & climate
- Mobile trailer farms for fresh produceThe resident proposes mobile trailer farms growing fresh fruit and vegetables year round, also teaching K-12 youth urban agriculture skills, to improve food access in food deserts.2025–26MattapanFood access