City of Alexandria Commits Federal Funding to Guaranteed Income Pilot

The guaranteed income pilot program will provide direct, recurring cash payments of $500 a month, with no restrictions on use, to 150 Alexandria households for two years.

Page updated on March 18, 2022 at 9:04 AM
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City of Alexandria Commits Federal Funding to Guaranteed Income Pilot

A DCHS CONNECT FEATURE 

 

August 13, 2021--Alexandria City Council voted on July 6 to support a guaranteed income pilot by allocating $3 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that was signed into law by President Biden in March 2021. The guaranteed income pilot program will provide direct, recurring cash payments of $500 a month, with no restrictions on use, to 150 Alexandria households for two years.  

The funding decision followed a period of community information sessions and public input. The feedback conveyed that Alexandria residents seek to not only rebuild what was lost, but also to create a more equitable economy for all.

Mayor Justin M. Wilson, a newly announced member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), said “I am excited to join mayors around the country as an advocate for guaranteed income. Across the nation through guaranteed income pilots, mayors are taking steps to support vulnerable households and promote the economic wellbeing of hardworking families and our communities as a whole.”

“Too many families are on the financial edge, where an unexpected setback, like reduced hours at work or a car repair, can have a devastating impact. Guaranteed income is a proven tool to help families secure stronger financial footing and take steps to move up the economic ladder,” said Mayor Wilson. 

The guaranteed income pilot, which is expected to launch in late-fall, is currently in the development phase as a collaboration among the Mayor and Alexandria City Council, DCHS, local non-profit partners, the Bruhn Morris Foundation and ACT for Alexandria. More than 300 community members attended information sessions offered in multiple languages on August 9 and 10 to learn more and share input.

Research partners working with the City will conduct a rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis at the end of the pilot to learn how participants’ lives changed. It is expected that the monetary model will significantly improve the recipients’ financial, social, physical and mental wellbeing. To date, research across the country has shown that, when people are given the extra financial support that they need, they use the money for basic needs and make smart decisions that set them up for greater financial security and mobility.

In addition to the guaranteed income pilot, several other forms of community assistance will be provided with the ARPA funding, Read this story to learn about other local ARPA-backed projects that will be available in the near future. Also, see the assistance resources that are available now to qualified residents.

For more information on the guaranteed income pilot as well as FAQs, visit the Guaranteed Income Pilot web page.