Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms joined 10 other mayors from across the country to announce Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, a coalition of mayors that will explore cash payment programs in their cities for guaranteed income programs.
A guaranteed income is a monthly cash payment given directly to individuals, empowering recipients to address their most urgent needs and providing a cushion for unpredictable expenses, external shocks, and volatility. It is unconditional and is meant to supplement, rather than replace, the existing social safety net.
The founding mayors of the network include: Michael D. Tubbs from Stockton, California; Chokwe Antar Lumumba from Jackson, Mississippi; Melvin Carter from St. Paul, Minnesota; Ras J. Baraka from Newark, New Jersey; Aja Brown from Compton, California; Eric Garcetti from Los Angeles, California; Adrian Perkins from Shreveport, Louisiana; Libby Schaaf from Oakland, California; Victoria R. Woodards from Tacoma, Washington; and Stephen Benjamin from Columbia, South Carolina.
“I am honored to join this powerful coalition of mayors as a founding member in this privately funded pilot program,” said Bottoms. “We know that economic security is a right and a necessity for all to thrive in this country. I look forward to the meaningful work we will do to continue to push our communities forward.”
Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is founded in partnership with the Economic Security Project. The coalition is also announcing a new partnership with What Works Cities, a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative, to elevate lessons learned and expand best practices to additional cities across the country.
A resolution in support of guaranteed income was adopted by the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Jobs, Education, and the Workforce Committee.
To learn more about Mayors for a Guaranteed Income visit www.mayorsforagi.org.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
