Idea Collection

How would you spend $2 million to benefit our communities?

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Take part in Boston’s Participatory Budgeting program “Ideas in Action” by sharing your project ideas from July 1 to July 31, 2026!

You can also leave a voicemail by calling (617) 635-3059, or fill out an Idea Collection Paper Form at City Hall or the following BCYF Community Centers: BCYF Quincy (Chinatown), Curtis Hall Community Center (Jamaica Plain), Leahy-Holloran (Dorchester), Vine Street (Roxbury), Hennigan (Jamaica Plain), and Marshall (Dorchester).

GET INVOLVED

Share your ideas online, in-person, or by phone:

Submit an idea through the online PB Portal at participate.boston.gov
Call in and record your idea through the multilingual PB Phone Line at 617-635-3059
Fill out a paper form at PB Corners inside City Hall and selected BCYF Community Centers
Attend a City-sponsored Idea Collection Workshop (See the schedule below for upcoming events)

Help us expand the reach of Ideas in Action with your neighbors and friends! You can host your own workshop by using these resources.

Watch the video to learn how to submit your project idea:

ALL City of Boston residents, regardless of age, can submit ideas!

Project ideas that are limited to a one-time expense, and do not create new permanent positions.
Project ideas that are feasible to implement, and are consistent with existing City policies, laws, regulations, and the Participatory Budgeting Ordinance.
Ideas about programs, services, or physical improvements to City property.
Physical improvement projects on private, state, or federal property are not eligible, such as projects concerning the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) or the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).
Project ideas containing inappropriate, offensive, or derogatory language will be removed and not considered from the PB process.

Ideas may include programs and services, as well as physical improvements to City-owned property.

Examples of Eligible Ideas:

Programming to strengthen mental health among Boston youth
Expand the City’s Wicked Free WiFi network to reach more low-income areas
Digital literacy classes for senior citizens to learn new skills and promote social connections
Enhance public spaces through infrastructure projects (public art, street trees, benches, etc.)

Examples of Ineligible Ideas:

Ideas in Action runs from July 2026 through February 2027, and includes the following key phases:

July 1 – July 31, 2026: Idea Collection Campaign
October – November 2026: Proposal Development Forums and Online Engagement
January - February 2027: Public Voting Period
February 2027 and Onward: The Office of Participatory Budgeting works with relevant City Departments to implement the awarded proposals

Track the progress of PB funded projects on our implementation page and through the annual report.