Several speakers at the Oct. 9 budget public hearing asked Boulder City Council to continue funding Elevate Boulder, the city's guaranteed‑income pilot, which is scheduled to end in December.

Why it matters: Multiple speakers — including program participants and task‑force members — described Elevate Boulder as a small, targeted cash‑assistance program that produced measurable improvements in participants’ ability to meet basic needs, reduced psychological distress and increased housing stability. They argued continuation would be particularly important given federal cutbacks and local fiscal strain that are increasing need.

What speakers said: Shelby Bates, a member of the original task force and a resident, said the program “removed so many of the bureaucratic hoops” and noted the participant demographics: “65 percent of recipients being people of color, 15 percent having a disability, and 3 percent identifying as transgender.” Alex Smitter, a participant, described how unrestricted cash allowed him to pay off debt accrued while unhoused and to pursue training that supported employment stability. Smitter said: “The unrestricted cash assistance gave me the agency to choose how I spent the money.” Both speakers urged the council to make a strong financial commitment for 2026–27 and recommended the city remain the program host rather than contracting it to a nonprofit.

Council response and context: Council members acknowledged the findings in the program evaluation and the higher demand for basic needs services noted by nonprofits. Council members and staff said the city’s constrained budget limits new ongoing commitments; several council members encouraged private philanthropy and nonprofit partnerships to supplement city resources. Housing and Human Services staff said the Elevate program evaluation showed positive results and that budget deliberations will consider available options.

Next steps: Speakers asked the council to prioritize funding for Elevate in the 2026 budget process. Council did not take a separate vote on Elevate during the Oct. 9 hearing; the budget ordinances introduced Oct. 9 will be considered again at second reading Oct. 23, which is the next formal opportunity for council to act on specific budget allocations.