REPORT TO HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Evaluate and Consider Adoption of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) Pilot Program (Study Issue)
Report
BACKGROUND
In January 2022, the City Council sponsored Study Issue (SI) CDD 22-07 - Evaluate a Pilot Program for Universal Basic Income (UBI) Including Potential Funding Sources (Attachment 2). (RTC No. 22-0285). Consultant funding for the study was approved in June 2022. (RTC No. 22-0128.) as part of the 22/23 Budget. Although this initially started out as a UBI Study, staff was informed that UBI provides all individuals with a regular unconditional payment, while Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) refers to a similar concept for a targeted population. Therefore, moving forward this study shall be considered as Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI).
In May 2023, an RFP was issued to solicit proposals for a consultant firm who specializes in social programs. The City awarded a contract to Dalberg Advisors (Dalberg) in August 2023 to complete this study. Between August and early October 2023, Dalberg met with over 60 stakeholders, including non-profit and social service agencies, external experts, educators, and potential philanthropic organizations.
At the October 24, 2023, Council Study Session, staff and Dalberg provided an update on the progress of this study and solicited input on potential participant groups and program design. While the Council did not identify a particular participant group, it was clear that it should be geared toward extremely low-income household and/or households with children.
A presentation to the Human Relations Commission (HRC) is scheduled for September 12, 2024. The HRC members will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide individual comments.
The Housing and Humans Services Commission will consider this item at a special meeting on Tuesday September 19, 2024, and make a recommendation to the City Council.
The City Council is scheduled to consider this item o...
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