Tactical Public Realm
We’re creating “tactical” interventions that transform the public realm through low-cost projects that are easy to put in place.
The City will fund several of these projects each year, based on community applications.
About the program
We are introducing new tools for lower-cost, rapid (tactical) improvements to our public space.
This program is based in our conversations with the community through Go Boston 2030. In those talks, we found that improving the public realm was a top priority.
Each year, the City will fund several interventions based on community applications.
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 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
Brighton Center Pop-Up Plaza
Market Street and Washington Street Plaza Demonstration
Brighton Center Pop-Up Plaza Demonstration
Birch Street Plaza
Tactical Plaza
A pedestrian plaza created using semi-permanent materials
Tontine Crescent
Tactical Plaza
The City's first Tactical Plaza in Downtown
Phillips Square
Tactical Plaza
Upcoming Tactical Plaza in Chinatown.
Elmhurst Street
Street Mural
Street Mural near Elmhurst Park in Dorchester
New Edgerly Plaza
Pedestrian plaza on New Edgerly Road in Fenway
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.