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Ideas in Action: Project Implementation

Stay Tuned for Updates Coming in May 2025

Check back in May for more information about implementation of the winning projects.

Over the next few months, the office will be working with lead departments to support the implementation of the projects below. OPB will provide regular updates on the progress of each project via our website and newsletters. 

Cycle One Winning Proposals

Funding

$400,000

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to bolster assistance programs for Boston residents facing food insecurity. The purpose of these grants is for residents to access fresh food (fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, meat, seafood). 

Funding

$500,000

Description

This proposal aims to tackle rodent infestations in identified hotspots by improving waste management practices and reducing food access for rats. By investing in rodent-proof waste storage solutions in high-density residential areas, food sources for rodents can be limited where they are most problematic.

The City will use sensor technology to monitor the effectiveness of these upgrades and expand successful solutions. This initiative supports the newly launched Boston Rodent Action Plan, which aims to reduce the rodent population and improve residents' quality of life.

Funding

$250,000

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to support youth ages 14-21 who are formerly or currently incarcerated, helping them build a brighter future.

The Boston Office of Returning Citizens will offer one-time grants opportunities to organizations that can provide access to mentorship, skills training and education, health and wellness programs, and other types of support services that can expose and prepare impacted youth to diverse opportunities. Programs may include home economics, grant writing, college prep, entrepreneurship, trade learning, etc.

Funding

$200,000

Description

This proposal will fund a pilot rental assistance program for Boston residents between the ages of 16-24 to stabilize their housing situation. Eligible residents will be able to access up to $5,000 in assistance to help cover late rent payments or move-in costs, such as first/last month’s rent, security deposit, and/or a broker’s fee.

The fund will operate under the Office of Housing Stability, using the infrastructure and guidelines of the existing Tenant Stabilization Fund.

NOTE: Minors under 18 years old must be legally emancipated to apply for assistance.

Funding 

$500,000

Description

This proposal will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to build community gardens on underutilized land for public access and use, prioritizing areas where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

This project will create a healthier environment, beautify the community, address food insecurity, and build camaraderie among residents. Gardens must have a robust rodent management plan.

Funding

$150,000

Description

This proposal will allow the City's Transportation Department to install approximately 50 benches at high-ridership bus stops across the City.

The project will prioritize neighborhoods with the greatest need, including lower-income areas and environmental justice zones, while ensuring accessibility for those who may have difficulty standing, such as older adults and individuals with disabilities. Bench designs will be selected based on the context of each location to maximize comfort and usability.

Other Ideas

Additionally, we would like to share a summary of proposals that did not receive the highest votes. Below is the list, along with the number of votes each project received and their ranking. The office recognizes the value residents placed in each proposal, and we’ll be sharing these ideas with the appropriate City Departments to consider for future initiatives.

RANK

VOTES

PROJECT NAME

LEAD DEPARTMENT

FUNDING

#7

1415

Expand Evening Recreational Opportunities for Youth

Youth Sports Grants, Human Services

$300,000

#8

1411

Support and Education Programming for at Risk Youth Ages 10-13

Youth Development Fund

$300,000

#9

1294

Economic Opportunities for Low-Income Entrepreneurs

Office of Small Business

$500,000

#10

1292

Pilot an Expansion of the Youth Jobs Program during the School Year

Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity

$515,000

#11

1193

Enhance Access to Essential Items for Boston’s Senior Populations

Age Strong

$500,000

#12

1172

Publicly Accessible Fruit Trees for Boston Residents

GrowBoston

$500,000

#13

841

City-Wide Campaign to Promote PAATHS Addiction Support Services

BPHC’s Recovery Services Bureau

$300,000

#14

782

Connecting Boston Residents to Health Resources

BPHC’s Mayor’s Health Line

$250,000

For more information, email pb@boston.gov.

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