Denver To Be First City Piloting A Guaranteed Basic Income For Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Denver Basic Income Project Launches in partnership with Mayor Hancock’s Office and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to Help Support Denver Residents in Need
DENVER (April 29, 2021) — Denver Basic Income Project, in partnership with Mayor Hancock’s Office and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, will be among the nation’s first efforts to determine the effectiveness of monthly unconditional payments to residents experiencing homelessness.
The Denver Basic Income Project is giving basic income to individuals experiencing homelessness with the goal of building a healthier society grounded in social justice and centered around improving human thriving. Denver is poised to become the first city in the United States to study the impact of providing this direct cash assistance to unhoused individuals.
“Homelessness, income inequality, a hollowed-out middle class, an alarming disparity in access to opportunity, and the challenges of mental health and poverty all stem from a lack of equity in our economic systems,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “The Denver Basic Income Project is an opportunity to explore how the philanthropic community and the private sector can augment public support for those living in poverty, particularly our unhoused neighbors, and extend that hand up to stability.”
Direct cash transfers empower individuals with dignity and provide the choice to make spending decisions that best suit their needs. Contrary to popular belief, it’s proving out in other communities that individuals largely make good choices that result in increased well being, greater financial stability, and new opportunities for self-determination, choice, goal-setting and risk-taking.
“Our society can do better,” said Denver Basic Income Project Founder Mark Donovan. “Direct cash payments move toward eliminating wealth inequality and begin to build a healthier community here in Denver and hopefully we’ll create a model for other cities to follow.”
The Denver Basic Income Project recognizes that people are disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression: race, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and other identity markers. The multiple struggles and intersecting oppressions the unhoused face are simply unacceptable in a just society.
"The Denver Basic Income Project is a powerful example of what can happen when the private sector, government, and philanthropy come together to co-create solutions to complex challenges," says Javier Alberto Soto, President and CEO of The Denver Foundation. "Many people in our community need resources to overcome deep, systemic issues that lead them to homelessness in the first place. Basic incomes will create a lifeline for stability, economic opportunity, and wellness."
This privately funded community initiative was started with a seed donation by Donovan, a Denver resident who believes that taking action today can have an immediate impact on the lives of people who are suffering and in great need. The program is being modeled after the groundbreaking New Leaf project (NLP) in Vancouver and the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED). The SEED program’s research results highlight the positive impact of direct cash payments. The cash transfers reduced income volatility and allowed recipients to find full time employment. Recipients of guaranteed income were healthier, showing less depression and anxiety and enhanced wellbeing. The Impact Report from the New Leaf Project study has shown that moving into housing provides stability, reduces the risk of trauma, improves health, and frees up shelter beds for others in need. Cash transfer recipients prioritized and increased spending on recurring staples like housing/rent, food, transportation, and utility bills. The also saw a 39 percent reduction in spending of goods such as alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
The Denver Basic Income Project is raising an additional $5,500,000 to launch this initiative. They are asking for the support, both large and small, of anyone who agrees that this Denver community can do better to support those in need. Individuals will have an opportunity to make a difference today. The project is a part of Impact Charitable, a 501c3 who partners with public and private funders who want to mobilize their assists into communities in creative and impactful ways. All donations to the program are tax deductible. To donate, visit:
https://denverbasicincomeproject.org/
ABOUT THE DENVER BASIC INCOME PROJECT COALITION
The Denver Basic Income Project is a partnership between local nonprofit service providers fighting homelessness, caring community members and organizations providing funding and support. The organization has partnered with the University of Denver’s Center for Housing and Homelessness Research (CHHR) which will be running a Randomized Control Trial (RCT) to capture the results and contribute to the policy debate advocating for Universal Basic Income as an effective mechanism to fight poverty, homelessness and many forms of inequality and injustice. The research will analyze the impact of direct cash on speed to housing, wellness, income volatility, time use and numerous other factors. It will also compare the impact of up-front lump sum transfers vs. monthly transfers. The impact of different approaches by the service providers will also be assessed. The project will begin with a soft launch in the early summer and then the full launch in the fall.
The Denver Basic Income Project Team
Founder: Mark Donovan
Director: Jessica Sherwood
Research Team: Daniel Brisson, Jennifer Wilson, Katie Calhoun
Fiscal Sponsor: Impact Charitable
Working Group Partners: Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Colorado Village Collaborative, Denver Alliance for Street Health Response (DASHR), The Delores Project, Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, Mile High Ministries, Urban Peak, Denver Indigenous Family Resource Center (DIFRC), St Francis Center, Denver Homeless Out Loud (DHOL), and Donald Burnes, PhD, Founder, Burnes Institute for Poverty Research at the Colorado Center on Law & Policy.
ABOUT MAYORS FOR A GUARANTEED INCOME
Building off his first-of-its-kind guaranteed income pilot (SEED) and rooted in Dr. King’s legacy, Mayor Michael D. Tubbs (Stockton, CA) and the Economic Security Project founded Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) in June 2020. Since that time, 45 mayors have come together in this network to advocate for a guaranteed income — direct, recurring cash payments — that lifts all of our communities, building a resilient, just America. Follow MGI on Twitter and Facebook.
For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact: Lora Ledermann,
lora@screamagency.com, 303-523-3925
Statement on the American Rescue Plan
March 10, 2021, Stockton, CA - As a coalition of more than 40 mayors from across the country, every day we see people who are working hard to make ends meet, but our economy doesn’t even meet them halfway. Our communities continue to need relief while we recover from the ongoing, devastating pandemic and as we rebuild toward a more equitable, financially-secure society.
We commend our Congressional leaders, President Biden and Vice President Harris for putting forth the American Rescue Plan -- one of the largest expansions of direct cash policies in our country’s history -- to put our economy back on track. The legislation to expand the Child Tax Credit in this bill marks a major shift in benefits policy from a punitive stance embraced by Reagan and Clinton to one that actually aims to solve the root problems of poverty by providing families with children an unrestricted, monthly cash stipend.
And, the one-time direct payments to individuals will also quickly send desperately-needed stimulus money to most Americans. One check, however, is not enough -- more than 40% of people who expect to receive a payment in the next round of relief say a $1,400 check would last them a month or less, and 70% say it will last less than three months. Our constituents, and all struggling Americans, need monthly cash infusions for real relief. We’ve seen repeatedly, most recently in the outcomes of the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED), that the quickest and most direct way to help people and the economy is by putting money directly into people’s pockets. Congress has taken a huge step forward. Our next step must be committing to recurring checks for all those who need it most, which is why we’re encouraging Senators to sign on to a letter to the Administration urging the President to include recurring direct payments and automatic unemployment insurance extensions tied to economic conditions in his long-term economic plan.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Newark, NJ Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
February 25, 2021, Newark, NJ - In a unanimous decision, the Newark City Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
"Like too many cities across the country, we in Newark are feeling the intense pressure of economic fallout. Direct support in the form of cash payments allows members of our community to regain a semblance of control in the midst of a crisis that has stripped so much of it away,” said Mayor Baraka. “It's on us as local leaders to work together and provide this critical financial lifeline to residents of our cities, and beyond."
The full text of the resolution, passed on February 3, can be found here.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 40 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. A pilot in Newark is planned to launch in early 2021, with details currently being finalized. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Gainesville, FL Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
February 24, 2021, Gainesville, FL - In a unanimous decision, the Gainesville City Commission has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income program. This resolution shows support for people with a criminal record to receive a recurring monthly income for up to two years to help them get back on their feet, and solidifies Gainesville’s commitment to creating an income floor under the leadership of Mayor Lauren Poe, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“In the wake of the pandemic and its massive economic toll, guaranteed income stands out as a necessary tool to address the inequality pervading our communities'' said Mayor Poe. “This first of its kind program provides a cushion to those who can least afford to bear the burden of income instability.”
The full text of the resolution, passed on February 18th, can be found here.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 36 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
A pilot in Gainesville is planned to launch in 2021, with details currently being finalized. MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Washington Post & Time ads call for recurring checks
This full-page ad ran in the 2/1/21 edition of Time Magazine.
This full-page ad ran in the 1/21/21 edition of the Washington Post
Ithaca, NY Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
January 22, 2021, Ithaca, NY - In a unanimous decision, the City of Ithaca Common Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Svante Myrick, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“The past year has shown us how quickly financial security can evaporate in the face of an unpredictable world and an economy that is more unequal than ever” said Mayor Myrick. “Guaranteed income provides financial stability to those who need it most, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.”
The full text of the resolution, passed on January 6, can be found here. The adopted resolution required one small modification in changing references from Senate Majority Leader McConnell to Senator Chuck Schumer.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 34 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. A pilot in Ithaca is planned to launch in 2021, with details currently being finalized. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and support for $2,000 checks helped drive the Democratic Senate wins in Georgia.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
MGI Applauds Gov. Newsom’s Golden State Stimulus Proposal
Michael D. Tubbs, former Stockton Mayor and founder and chair of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, released this statement following Governor Newsom’s call for a “Golden State Stimulus” which would provide $600 to EITC-eligible Californians:
“In a pandemic and economic crisis, people need cash to survive. Even if people have the ability to stay home, the bills keep coming. The Golden State Stimulus will provide a badly needed boost to the federal $600 check and enables the most economically vulnerable California families to decide how to best spend their money - providing a lifeline and a sense of dignity to recipients. As we saw in the Stockton guaranteed income demonstration, people use cash for basic needs - food, utilities and childcare. Mayors for a Guaranteed Income applauds this step by Governor Newsom to put money in the pockets of struggling families. Our state continues to lead the way on cash-based policies, with guaranteed income pilots underway or in the works in Compton, Long Beach, Los Angeles and Oakland.
While these city and state steps are important, we need to go further, which is why we are calling on federal leaders to adopt guaranteed income: recurring, no-strings attached cash payments. As we see in guaranteed income pilots led by mayors throughout the country, direct cash builds economic resilience and ensures everyone has a floor so that if a pandemic or other emergency occurs occurs, we are able to feed our families, go to the doctor, pay our bills and keep our economy going. As we transition to the Biden-Harris Administration and the opportunity to pass meaningful relief with Democratic control of both chambers of Congress, we urge federal lawmakers to pass recurring cash payments immediately.”
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Hudson, NY Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
January, 7 2020, Hudson, NY - The city of Hudson, NY has passed a resolution in support of ongoing federal payments through the duration of the pandemic, as well as the establishment of a national guaranteed income. The resolution, which was passed unanimously by the city council, further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Kamal Johnson, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI). Through a partnership with Humanity Forward, Hudson began its guaranteed income pilot in late 2020, providing 25 residents $500 monthly for five years.
“The pandemic has taken a massive toll on the already-stretched finances of our residents, particularly those of color,” said Mayor Johnson. “Providing a guaranteed income at the local level can help some, but we need action by our federal leaders to extend economic security to all.”
The full text of the resolution passed in December can be found here (pages 36-39). It will also be sent to Hudson’s Congressional leadership – Representative Antonio Delgado and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer.
Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 30 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to those the poor and middle class.
In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Statement on Stimulus Bill
December 21, 2020, Stockton, CA - The stimulus bill Congress is working to finalize provides long-awaited relief to struggling families, but does not go nearly far enough in mitigating the devastating economic effects of the pandemic. A payment of $600 per person is simply inadequate to stave off the incoming wave of evictions, widespread hunger and overdue bills millions of Americans face in the nine months since the CARES Act passed.
“While this bill is better than nothing, that is an extremely low bar,” said MGI Chair Michael Tubbs. “Lack of action on the part of our federal government – primarily due to Mitch McConnell’s obstruction of meaningful relief – forced millions into poverty in just the past few months, with millions more on the brink. Anything short of substantial, ongoing payments throughout the pandemic fails the American people.”
MGI supports a federal guaranteed income, as well as cash relief to offset the dire economic toll of the pandemic. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI is a coalition of 29 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class. Member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org
Cambridge, MA Adopts Guaranteed Income Resolution
December 18, 2020, Cambridge, MA - In a unanimous decision, the Cambridge City Council has voted in support of a resolution to establish a guaranteed income. The resolution further solidifies the city’s commitment to advancing cash-based policies under the leadership of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, a member of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI).
“We must provide economic relief to our residents in the wake of the pandemic’s economic havoc and the inaction of Congress to provide aid to meet the massive scale of this crisis,” said Mayor Siddiqui. “A guaranteed income is a financial lifeline providing simple, effective and direct support to keep our economy and community afloat.”
The full text of the resolution can be found in the December 14 meeting record here.
Cambridge is on track to begin a guaranteed income pilot in early 2021, partially funded by $500,000 from MGI. Founded in June of 2020 by Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MGI is a coalition of 29 mayors committed to advancing a guaranteed income – direct, recurring cash payments to the poor and middle class.
MGI member cities are eligible for up to $500,000 in pilot funding, thanks to a recent $15M donation by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. In addition to pilots, MGI also advocates for cash-based policies at the federal level. There are currently at least 10 Congressional bills to provide pandemic-related payments to struggling Americans, and more than 125 economists recently demanded national leaders pass another round of $1,200 stimulus checks.
MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, has also established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research to consolidate the key learnings from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to layer data with anecdotal evidence.
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CONTACT: Saadia McConville
info@mayorsforagi.org