Colorado SunFest 2026 to Explore Basic Income Programs in Denver and Beyond

Panel discussion at the University of Denver will examine feasibility, considerations, and impacts of cash dividend initiatives.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:33pm

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An abstract, fractured painting in shades of blue, green, and gold, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color, conceptually representing the discussion around basic income programs and their role in addressing economic challenges.An avant-garde illustration captures the complex, multifaceted nature of basic income programs and their potential to address economic insecurity.Denver Today

The Denver Basic Income Project will be a key focus of a panel discussion on basic income programs at the upcoming Colorado SunFest 2026 event on May 1st. The panel, hosted by the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the University of Denver's Josef Korbel School, will explore the potential for these types of interventions to address economic insecurity and homelessness.

Why it matters

Basic income and cash dividend programs have gained attention as tools to provide a social safety net and address persistent issues like housing instability and income volatility. The panel at Colorado SunFest 2026 will draw on research and evidence from initiatives like the Denver Basic Income Project to discuss the feasibility, policy challenges, and broader impacts of these programs.

The details

The 'Basic Income Programs in Denver and Beyond' panel will be moderated by Naazneen H. Barma, the founding director of the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy at the University of Denver. Panelists will include Daniel Brisson, professor and executive director of the Center for Housing and Homelessness Research at DU; Kaitlyn Sims, associate professor of public policy at the Josef Korbel School; and Scott Wasserman, a political and policy consultant with experience helping to pass major policy reforms in Colorado.

  • Colorado SunFest 2026 will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026.
  • The 'Basic Income Programs in Denver and Beyond' panel is scheduled for the event.

The players

Naazneen H. Barma

Professor and founding director of the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, University of Denver.

Daniel Brisson

Professor and executive director of the Center for Housing and Homelessness Research at the University of Denver.

Kaitlyn Sims

Associate professor of public policy at Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs.

Scott Wasserman

Principal of Thinking Forward LLC, a political and policy consulting firm.

Denver Basic Income Project

A local initiative that will be a focus of the panel discussion on basic income programs.

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What they’re saying

“Basic income and cash dividend programs are gaining attention as tools to address persistent economic insecurity, from housing instability to income volatility.”

— Naazneen H. Barma, Professor and founding director of the Scrivner Institute of Public Policy, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs, University of Denver

What’s next

The 'Basic Income Programs in Denver and Beyond' panel is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 1, 2026 as part of the Colorado SunFest event at the University of Denver.

The takeaway

The panel discussion at Colorado SunFest 2026 will provide an in-depth look at the feasibility, considerations, and potential impacts of basic income and cash dividend programs, drawing on research and evidence from initiatives like the Denver Basic Income Project.