Boulder's Eviction Prevention Program, One Year Later

The City of Boulder has released a report evaluating the first year of a program aimed at providing resources and assistance to residents facing eviction. According to a release on the city's website, "This program was swiftly implemented after voters passed the No Eviction Without Representation measure in November 2020 and is funded through an excise tax paid by landlords on each property they operate with a rental license." The Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance Services (EPRAS) program "helps people resolve eviction-related housing issues through legal services, rental assistance and mediation."

The report notes that in its first year, EPRAS was contacted by 390 tenants, and helped prevent evictions in 63 percent of cases. The program also distributed $168,536 in rental assistance to 82 households. "As the program enters its second year, staff will begin work on an outreach strategy, with a focus on racial equity, to increase awareness of available services. The program is looking to build on the work done in 2021 as an important tool for a community still recovering from the pandemic."