Elevate Boulder is the City of Boulder’s guaranteed income pilot project that will provide 200 low-income Boulder households with $500 per month for two years. This assistance is unconditional and unrestricted; that means it can be used how participants choose, and they won’t have to do anything in return. The city is allocating $3 million from its American Rescue Plan Act funds for the project.
Elevate Boulder is not accepting applications at this time.
To evaluate the Elevate Boulder pilot project, the city contracted with the Omni Institute Center for Social Investment to conduct participant surveys and focus groups. Surveys were administered at the point of enrollment and at the 8- and 20-month milestones. Focus groups took place at the 10-month milestone. Collectively, data indicates that participants experienced significant benefits in affording basic needs, food and housing security, mental health and overall wellness. 94% of participants feel better able to meet their long-term financial goals.
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.
Visit the Elevate Boulder Participant Information page for project information and updates.
Community members, businesses and organizations can donate to the Elevate Boulder Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation Boulder County. Funds raised will help ensure that:
Contributions to the Elevate Boulder Fund will also help city staff determine the potential for ongoing, collective community support to extend the project after the pilot phase is complete.
Nine community members served on a Community Task Force to provide input and guidance on issues such as project outcomes; eligibility criteria; the amount, frequency and duration of cash assistance; customer service; and evaluation. All members have experience living with low-income in Boulder and/or work with low-income community members and identify with a population that is underrepresented or underserved or experiencing systemic disparities.
The City of Boulder is committed to digital accessibility. Some content may not be fully accessible due to technical limitations or issues. For alternate formats or accommodations, please visit Accessibility | City of Boulder or contact accessibility@bouldercolorado.gov.
