City of Alexandria’s ARISE Guaranteed Income Pilot: Key Insights After Year One Evaluation

Page updated on December 19, 2024 at 10:52 AM
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For Immediate Release: December 19, 2024 
Media Contact: Julie Mullen, Economic Mobility Program Officer, julie.mullen@alexandriava.gov, 703.746.5668
 

Alexandria, Va. – The City of Alexandria’s guaranteed income pilot, Alexandria’s Recurring Income for Success and Equity (ARISE), shows promising results after its first year of implementation, according to Dr. AshLee Smith Playfair, the lead evaluator from Abt Global. Dr. Playfair presented key insights at an event hosted by the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) and ACT for Alexandria, attended by elected officials and residents.

In 2021, the Alexandria City Council allocated $3 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act  funds for 170 Alexandria residents to receive $500 a month of unconditional cash for 24 months. The pilot has a research component to gather information on the impacts of the $500 on mental and physical health, housing, food, transportation, financial stability, labor market participation, and, when relevant, child outcomes. In the FY25 budget process, City Council approved an additional allocation of $550,000 to extend payments to participants through June 2025 for an additional five months.

Dr. Playfair's presentation highlighted the first-year results from a mixed-methods evaluation, which revealed several the following preliminary significant findings: 

  1. Improved Mental Wellbeing: Participants in the ARISE pilot reported significantly more peaceful and stable home environments than those in the control group. Additionally, they expressed feeling more hopeful about the future, and reduction of financial stress, which improved their mental wellbeing. Participants reported feeling more patient with their children and were able to spend more time with them than control group members.
  2. Increased Financial Stability: The pilot demonstrated signs of improved financial stability for participants. Recipients noted greater control over their finances, reduced financial stress, and a greater ability to manage unexpected expenses, all contributing to their overall sense of security. Among ARISE participants, 1% reported living off their savings, compared to 6% of control group members. 
  3. Empowerment: A notable insight from the evaluation was the impact of guaranteed income on participants' ability to balance their personal responsibilities. ARISE participants reported being able to work fewer hours, which allowed them to focus on family, education, and other important life activities. They also found time to focus on caregiving, entrepreneurship, and education.

As the ARISE pilot moves into its final six months, the City of Alexandria remains dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to reduce poverty and promote economic and racial equity for residents. The positive impact of the ARISE pilot on our community gives us hope for a brighter future. 

Residents are encouraged to visit alexandriava.gov/ARISE to learn more about ARISE and access DCHS resources, see Abt Global's interim brief, and view videos featuring ARISE participant stories.

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