Tactical Public Realm
We’re creating new public spaces and safer neighborhood streets using “tactical urbanism” approaches with low-cost tools and materials that are easy to put in place.
Rather than just serving as transportation networks, our streets can be spaces where residents can convene, create, experiment, and connect with their neighbors.
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Have questions? Contact:
Transportation -
Want to suggest a location?
Please fill out our form to suggest a location for a public realm intervention in your neighborhood:
About the program
We are making low-cost, rapid improvements to Boston's public spaces.
Improving the public realm was identified as a top priority by Boston residents during the community engagement process of Go Boston 2030, our citywide mobility plan completed in 2017. The process highlighted a need for new short- and long-term public space strategies to reclaim underutilized transportation infrastructure in our neighborhoods.
Each year, the City will fund several interventions based on community interest and feasibility.
For each intervention, our guidelines give:
- an overview
- context and location criteria
- application and implementation process, and
- community partner and City roles.
Tactical Public Realm Guides
Tactical Public Realm Guidelines
Read about all of the guidelines.
Tactical Neighborhood Plazas
Learn about guidelines related to tactical plazas.
Parklets
Learn about guidelines related to parklets.
Outdoor Cafes
Learn about guidelines related to outdoor cafes.
Temporary art: street murals
Learn about guidelines related to street murals.
How to apply for a street mural project
You can learn about how to apply through the Boston Art Commission.
Ongoing projects
New Edgerly Plaza
Pedestrian plaza on New Edgerly Road in Fenway
Birch Street Plaza
Tactical Plaza
A pedestrian plaza created using semi-permanent materials
Phillips Square
Tactical Plaza
Upcoming Tactical Plaza in Chinatown.
Tontine Crescent
Tactical Plaza
The City's first Tactical Plaza in Downtown
Brighton Center Pop-Up Plaza
Market Street and Washington Street Plaza Demonstration
Brighton Center Pop-Up Plaza Demonstration
Elmhurst Street
Street Mural
Street Mural near Elmhurst Park in Dorchester
Liberty Square Plaza
Liberty Square Plaza
Pedestrian plaza at Liberty Square in Downtown.
About Go Boston 2030
Boston’s citywide transportation plan, Go Boston 2030, lays out a commitment to:
- walk-friendly, transit-supporting, and bike-welcoming policy and infrastructure, and
- prioritize the movement of people over cars.
With Go Boston 2030, community ideas serve as the backbone for our decisions. We want to engage with as many different people across Boston as possible.
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Have questions? Contact:
Transportation -
Want to suggest a location?
Please fill out our form to suggest a location for a public realm intervention in your neighborhood:
