Elevate Boulder

 

“When I was selected, I think I got an email around Christmas, I felt really happy to receive that email.  Why? Well, I thought ‘these next two years will be easier for my family.’” – Elevate Boulder participant

 

When has receiving a text or email changed your life? 

In December 2023, 200 low-income community members in Boulder, Colorado, received an email or text communication from the city of Boulder. The message announced they would receive $500 per month in direct cash assistance for two years with no strings attached. The assistance was made possible through Elevate Boulder, the city’s guaranteed income pilot project. The goal: help low-income households better meet their basic needs and get ahead financially for longer-term stability; and deliver project services with dignity. Through collaboration between the city government staff and consultants like our technology partner AidKit, we were able to set up the project for success and achieve that goal. 

Government assistance processes are not known for being efficient or dignified. For people with low income, proving eligibility for food and health benefits or rental assistance applications feels like ‘proving your poverty’ over and over again. Applicants must repeatedly provide income documentation and household information that can be difficult to collect and even harder to upload. Add the government lingo and acronyms, and even people with a full command of the English language and college degrees can struggle to make sense of it all.

What does a dignified process look like?

For the city, it required an online application and payment platform that is multilingual and intuitive. It also had to be easy to use for people with different degrees of technical prowess and with a variety of devices. We wanted a system that provided secure, encrypted customer service and ongoing communications by email, phone, and text. It had to be easy for staff and volunteers to use for verification, include strong fraud detection, offer flexible payment options, and reflect our commitment to treating participants with dignity.  

Testing and tweaking the system required AidKit to collect input not only from city staff but also community partners who experience disabilities or language access needs, and who are all too familiar with the trappings of complex income-eligible program applications. A shared commitment by the city and AidKit to patience and persistence to get it right paid off, resulting in a smooth application process rollout. One early indicator of success: when the city offered in-person help sessions for applicants, many participants cancelled their appointments, proudly sharing that they were able to complete the application on their own.

Early Results

The pilot phase is complete and the final payments were issued on December 31, 2025. From participant evaluation surveys and testimonials, we know the direct cash assistance helped people afford food and reduce hunger, pay rent and utilities to stay housed, lower their levels of stress and anxiety, and improve physical wellness. Many participants took opportunities for education and job training that can lead to longer-term financial stability. Based on these outcomes, the city hopes to continue Elevate Boulder for a new participant cohort. 

In addition to the impacts of the direct cash assistance, participants shared positive perspectives about the process, for example, noting that the application was “easier and less cumbersome than other financial assistance programs they had participated in or applied for in the past.” 

Ninety two percent of participants surveyed said it was extremely easy to receive payments. Another indicator of success: 96% of survey respondents said they felt empowered by their participation in the project and were treated with respect and dignity.  

“The way the program was set up and the way you get the assistance, it is provided in a way where you’re still able to have a sense of pride.” – Elevate Boulder participant

Having an efficient and effective application and payment platform was a critical but not singular part of what made the Elevate Boulder pilot successful. The results showed that when local governments and consultant partners believe every interaction with our community members is an opportunity for a dignified process, commit to working collaboratively, and trust the guidance from people with lived experience, we can help achieve project goals and change lives.

 


 

ICMA Local Government Reimagined Conference - Democracy and the Public Trust: Philadelphia, PA | May 13-15, 2026 

2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American democracy, yet today’s public servants continue to face heightened polarization in their communities. This conference will celebrate the mission and work of ethical, professional local government management even in politically charged times.

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