This council priority aims to review the effectiveness and outcomes of current homelessness programs and strategies.

Project Overview

The city's Homelessness Strategy is built around the belief that Boulder community members should have the opportunity for a safe and stable place to live. The strategy expands pathways to permanent housing and increases access to programs and services.

As part of Homeless Solutions for Boulder County (HSBC), a collaboration between the City of Boulder, the City of Longmont and Boulder County, the city has worked to expand housing opportunities and supportive services, maximize efficiency and effectiveness through partnerships, increase public information and create safe and welcoming public spaces.

The Homelessness System Evaluation will be comprised of an evaluation of the HSBC system and an update to the city’s 2017 Homelessness Strategy.

Current Homelessness Strategy Goals

  • Expand pathways to permanent housing and retention.
  • Expand access to programs and services to reduce or prevent homelessness.
  • Support an efficient and effective services system based on best practices and data.
  • Support access to basic services as part of a pathway to self-sufficiency and stability.
  • Support access to public information about homelessness and community solutions.
  • Create welcoming and safe public spaces.

HSBC System Evaluation

HSBC contracted Public Policy Associates to conduct an evaluation of the HSBC system of care. The evaluation design encompassed both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, integrating diverse data sources and perspectives to provide a holistic understanding of the system’s assets and challenges

The evaluation of the Homelessness Services for Boulder County system has been completed and will inform the update of the City of Boulder Homelessness Strategy.

Key findings include:

  • Opportunities for improvement include enhancing data systems for better decision-making, addressing equity disparities, expanding housing and support services, and building on crisis response efforts.
  • Recommendations include integrating data systems, prioritizing culturally competent and equitable services, expanding affordable housing, strengthening collaborative governance, and increasing community education to reduce stigma.

Update to the 2017 Homelessness Strategy

The 2017 Homelessness Strategy, developed in 2016, is being updated and renewed in 2025. The City of Boulder has contracted with Clutch Consulting to evolve the strategy and to support the implementation of the new strategy.

In January, Clutch began reviewing documents and gathering data. In February, the focus will shift to a system modeling exercise that leverages advanced predictive analytics to assess the impacts of system design, targeted investments, and program performance. These insights will help prioritize strategies that maximize resources and impact. During this phase, Clutch will engage directly with providers, partners, and elected officials and will lead a design workshop to explore the adjustments needed to achieve greater outcomes.

By April, Clutch will deliver a draft framework outlining a renewed vision, guiding principles, goals, and strategies, collaborating with city staff to refine the plan. A second round of community engagement, informed by system modeling, will guide implementation planning. Final drafts will be completed in May, alongside preparation activities such as developing shared measurement tools and an evaluation framework.

The entire process is scheduled for completion by July. Staff anticipates an additional touchpoint with council to review the strategy in late Q2.

Timeline

  • Jan. 2025: HSBC system evaluation completed
  • Q1 2025: Clutch Consulting begins strategy update
  • Feb. 13, 2025: Presented HSBC System Evaluation findings at City Council Study Session
  • April/May 2025: Complete draft framework, second round community engagement
  • Late Q2: Strategy review with City Council
  • July 2025: Updated Homelessness Strategy Complete

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