Elevate Boulder is the city’s guaranteed income pilot project that’s providing 200 low-income Boulder households with $500 per month from January 2024 to December 2025. This assistance is unconditional and unrestricted; meaning it can be used how participants choose, and they don’t have to do anything in return.
Evaluation survey data shows that Elevate Boulder participants experienced profound benefits from the direct cash assistance: more food security and less hunger; the ability to pay rent and utilities on time, helping keep participants and their families housed; significantly less stress and anxiety; better overall health; and advancement of education and job training opportunities that can lead to longer-term financial stability.
With support from the Community Foundation Boulder County, the city and a team of professional storytellers worked with Elevate Boulder participants to help them tell their stories and share the impact of the project in their own words and images.
Erin Preston Productions and Colibri Communications engaged participants and community leaders to document experiences through video interviews and creative photograph storytelling.
Below you will find four participant video interviews, a conversation with Elevate Boulder facilitators and creative photograph storytelling from seven participants.
From Alexa: Horses are my favorite animal and also they are beautiful as they make me feel very happy inside my heart.
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From Alexa: My birth mother loves horses too, it reminds me of my mother.
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Andy's photo series is called "Holding the Vision, Building the Dream."
A note from Andy: With Elevate Boulder’s help, I’ve been rebuilding my music studio in my apartment to prepare for a successful career in the rugged music industry. Sometimes the road seems too far and too steep to travel, but the persistence I nurture along the way keeps me moving forward.
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Andy's photo series is called "Holding the Vision, Building the Dream" and this image is titled "My Focus is My Power."
A note from Andy: With Elevate Boulder’s help, I’ve been rebuilding my music studio in my apartment to prepare for a successful career in the rugged music industry. Sometimes the road seems too far and too steep to travel, but the persistence I nurture along the way keeps me moving forward.
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Andy's photo series is called "Holding the Vision, Building the Dream."
A note from Andy: With Elevate Boulder’s help, I’ve been rebuilding my music studio in my apartment to prepare for a successful career in the rugged music industry. Sometimes the road seems too far and too steep to travel, but the persistence I nurture along the way keeps me moving forward.
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“Caprese Salad”
From Ed: I made this Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden, and it was absolutely delicious! I follow a plant-based diet and do my best to eat healthy, live well, and prevent illness. Having access to fresh, healthy foods and time in nature truly supports the lifestyle I strive for.
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“My best bike”
From Ed: This is my best bike—the one I use to ride the trails in every direction. I keep an older bike for errands, but biking is really how I get around most of the time. With support from Elevate Boulder, I was also able to replace my old car with a fully electric vehicle. Thanks to generous rebates and credits, making the switch was an easy choice. Now, I enjoy exploring, spending time in nature, and mixing up how I get around—whether it’s by bus, bike, or driving to places like the Butterfly Pavilion.
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“Carrots”
From Ed: I love gardening in my own yard, especially in my raised beds. The carrots I grow taste so much fresher and sweeter than the ones from the store. Alongside carrots, I also grow beets, basil, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Gardening has not only brought me joy, but with Elevate Boulder’s support, it has also helped me face rising food prices.
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“Gateway”
From Emily: Visit to Gateway Park with a free ticket from the library’s summer reading program. This visit reminded me to soften about what we can or cannot afford, while also highlighting the unexpected opportunities that come our way. Even though many activities feel out of reach, moments like this allow me to focus on raising a happy, curious child and cherish the joys we can share together. Every time we drive by, he lights up seeing the big giraffe, a small but meaningful reminder of our time together and the possibilities ahead.
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“My world”
From Emily: My son is my world, and as a single parent, I’ve reshaped my life around him. This picture captures our bond and closeness, showing the two of us in the world. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder of the love and connection we share every day.
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“Hope”
From Emily: I wanted to capture my dog, my child, and the rainbow, a moment that represents hope amidst uncertainty. My dog is a beloved part of my family. He faced serious health challenges, and I am not sure I could have afforded his care if not for Elevate Boulder. This picture celebrates our resilience, showing how we’ve stayed strong and together as a family through difficult times.
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“Always home”
From Jay: Boulder is my home, and I am an artist. Elevate Boulder helps people from all walks of life feel at home, and this program allows me to nurture my art here, in the place where I grew up. This picture captures the beauty of my home as I hold a portrait I drew with ink on paper.
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“Sadie sees me”
From Jay: Having a dog is an expense I willingly took on because dogs have always been a part of my life. My dog is a rescue; she lost one eye in Texas before being brought to the shelter. She is now healthy and accompanies me on all of our hikes around Boulder.
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“Spread the Gift”
From Jay: I haven’t always been able to afford a bagel from Moe’s Bagels. Nowadays, every so often, I can—and if I go at just the right time, I can get a full dozen day-old bagels. I share them with members of the unhoused community, turning a small treat into a meaningful act of kindness.
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“Smile”
From Kabita: I was able to fix my daughter’s dental issues. Orthodontic care is very expensive - thanks to the guaranteed income from the Elevate Program, she now has braces and the care she needs.
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“Enjoying Nature”
From Kabita: My daughter enjoying a beautiful afternoon surrounded by nature.
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“Self-care on the rails”
From Kabita: Spending quality time on a beautiful trip to Georgetown, Colorado.
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From Samjhana: A beautiful scene with a combination of gradual darkness but still light in the sky.
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From Samjhana: Unparallel beauty of Mother Nature.
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From Samjhana: Enjoying walking in the land of Shangri-La!
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Six participants worked with Motus Theater to write, edit and perform their autobiographical stories on stage in front of a live audience, accompanied by live music.
Below, you can view some photographs, by Lan Vo, from the event and follow the link to view the full photograph gallery.
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If you believe in the power of guaranteed income, you can join the city to help make sure Elevate Boulder can continue to provide unrestricted direct cash assistance to Boulder community members in need by making a donation to the Elevate Boulder Fund.
