Welcome to Briefly, Colorado Politics’ daily news briefing. Here’s what’s happening today:
Boulder releases findings of guaranteed income project
The city of Boulder has released a report detailing findings from the first eight months of its guaranteed income pilot project, Elevate Boulder.
Launched in January 2024, the program provides 200 low-income households with $500 per month for two years, with no strings attached. The $3 million program was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and donations to the Elevate Boulder Fund.
To qualify for the program, individuals had to be residents of Boulder, earn between 30% and 60% of the city’s Area Median Income, and have been affected financially by COVID-19. Full-time college students and individuals under 18 were not qualified for the program.
According to the report, which compiled feedback collected in August and October 2024, fewer participants have difficulty paying for housing, utilities, and food than they did before participating in the program.
Before the program, 66% of respondents said they had difficulty affording housing. Eight months into the program, that number went down to 46.8%.
Fifty-six percent of respondents also reported skipping meals or eating smaller meals before the program because they couldn’t afford more food. Eight months in, that number went down to 40%. The number of participants who said they were late with a rent or mortgage payment decreased by nearly 50%, and over 95% of participants said they felt better positioned to meet their long-term financial goals.
Participants will be surveyed again in August.
CDPHE to hold public meetings on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfills
The Colorado Department of Health and Environment’s Air Pollution Control Division will be holding public meetings on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from municipal solid waste landfills to help the state reach its climate goals.
“Public input helps us develop more meaningful and effective rules, and we welcome local communities, organizations, and individuals to get involved,” said CDPHE Air Pollution Control Division Director Michael Ogletree. “Listening to diverse experiences and feedback will help us continue leading the way to address climate change and reduce air pollution that harms Colorado communities. We’re committed to ensuring community input helps inform any proposed rules to protect clean air.”
The Division will use public feedback to create a new rule proposal to present to the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission next year. During the meetings, the Division will share the proposed rule’s concept and requirements, answer questions, and listen to public feedback.
Registration is required for the meetings, which will be held virtually on December 18 from 1-2:30 p.m., January 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and February 26 from 6-8 p.m. Click here to register for the December meeting, here to register for the January meeting, and here to register for the February meeting.
