Mayors Across the U.S. Strive to Sustain Guaranteed Income Programs Beyond Federal Aid
Many mayors in the United States are working to sustain "no-strings-attached" cash programs as the federal pandemic relief funding that initiated the trend is running out. In Evanston, Illinois, the city is expanding its guaranteed income program to utilize the remaining federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program aims to distribute $300,000 to low-income families through monthly payments over the next six months.
Evanston's Guaranteed Income Program requires residents to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as living at or below 185% of the federal poverty line and having a child in second grade or younger. The city received around 150 applications in the first week of registration, with 102 families to be selected through a lottery for the expanded program.
Evanston is among over 100 U.S. cities that have implemented universal basic income pilots since 2018 to combat poverty. With federal ARPA funds depleting, local officials are exploring alternative funding sources to sustain these cash programs long-term. Cook County, Illinois, for instance, allocated $7.5 million in its local budget to continue its guaranteed income program beyond federal aid.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, a proponent of guaranteed income programs, aims to advocate for these initiatives at the federal level if elected to Congress. Similarly, Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka is pushing for state-wide adoption of cash programs based on the success of the Newark Movement for Economic Equity pilot.
The Newark pilot, in collaboration with Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, provided cash payments to low-income residents and demonstrated positive outcomes. The New Jersey Cash Alliance coalition, led by advocates like Michael D. Tubbs, is lobbying for state-backed cash policies to support families in need.
In Salem, Massachusetts, the "Uplift Salem" pilot program, funded through a public-private partnership, received positive feedback from participants and contributed to economic stability and child well-being. The city is now exploring ways to continue and expand the program beyond the initial phase.
Boulder, Colorado, launched the "Elevate Boulder" guaranteed income program with federal funds and is seeking private donations to sustain it post-pilot phase. While some cities are exploring charity or local taxes to fund these programs, legal challenges have hindered initiatives in places like Austin, Texas, where a guaranteed income program faced opposition from the state attorney general.
The future of cash programs in various cities remains uncertain, with some facing legal obstacles and others seeking sustainable funding models. Despite challenges, mayors and advocates are committed to advancing cash assistance programs to support vulnerable populations and promote economic stability.