US Cities Giving Away $14,940,000 With Zero Strings Attached in New Basic Income Trials

Cities across the US are spinning up basic income trials at a rapid rate.

A total of $14.49 million will be handed out in new pilot programs to test just how effective it is to hand out money to people with low incomes.

Applications are now open in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a pilot that will give a total of $1.2 million to entrepreneurs, self-employed people, small businesses owners, gig workers and people with side hustles.

One-hundred applicants will be randomly selected to receive $528 per month for two years, beginning in 2024.

Participants must earn a yearly income that’s at or below 225% of the federal poverty line.

The money was allocated by the Ann Arbor City Council using funds received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

In Austin, Texas, $1.3 million has been allocated to continue a basic income pilot that hands out $1,000 a month to people facing homelessness or displacement.

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a total of $449,400 has been set aside to be handed out over the course of a year.

A group of 51 families who are already receiving temporary assistance will receive a total of $500 per month for a year, and an additional 239 families will receive an extra $50 per month.

And in Santa Clara County, California, $12 million has now been allocated to fund four basic income trials.

Early results from the county’s first pilot found the money had a significant impact on people’s livelihoods.

“Evaluation of the County’s very first pilot for foster youth from 2020 showed participants overcame barriers and led healthier lives.

After two years, participants reported improved well-being with measurable improvements in income stability, employment, housing, and an increased credit score. Many reported a generational impact by being able to enroll their children in extracurricular activities or getting jobs that allowed them to spend more time with their children.”

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