Colorado SunFest 2026 is a daylong event bringing Coloradans together to discuss what makes A Better Colorado. Panel Name: Basic Income Programs in Denver and Beyond
Moderator: Naazneen H. Barma
Basic income and cash dividend programs are gaining attention as tools to address persistent economic insecurity, from housing instability to income volatility. This panel, hosted by the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at The University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School, explored the feasibility, considerations and impacts of these interventions. It draws in part on panelist research and evidence from the Denver Basic Income Project, one such intervention targeting homelessness.
Panelists discussed what feasibility studies and evaluations tell us about when and how these programs work, the policy and funding challenges they face, and their potential role within broader social safety nets.