[Archived] City of Alexandria Seeks Community Input on Development of Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

­­For Immediate Release: August 7, 2021

The City of Alexandria is developing a guaranteed income pilot program to provide direct, recurring cash payments of $500 a month, with no restrictions on use, to 150 Alexandria households. Community members are invited to participate in a virtual information session to learn more about the pilot, which is in the development phase, and share input to help shape the final design of the program. Sessions will be offered on August 9 at 2 p.m., and August 10 at 6 p.m. with interpretation options. 

“The pandemic has clearly demonstrated how many Alexandria families are on the financial edge, where an unexpected setback, like reduced hours at work or a car repair, can have a devastating impact. Guaranteed income is a proven tool to help families secure stronger financial footing and take steps to move up the economic ladder,” said Mayor Justin Wilson. “I am excited to become part of Mayors for Guaranteed Income (MGI) and join mayors around the country as an advocate for guaranteed income. Across the nation through guaranteed income pilots, jurisdictions are taking steps to support vulnerable households and promote the economic wellbeing of hardworking families and our communities as a whole.” 

Alexandria City Council voted on July 6, to support the guaranteed income pilot by allocating $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding. The funding decision was based upon community input and further solidifies the City’s commitment to addressing the longstanding national and institutional problem of the racial income gap. The pilot is being developed as a collaboration among the City of Alexandria, local non-profit partners, the Bruhn Morris Foundation and ACT for Alexandria, which plays a crucial role in raising public awareness, gathering input and advocating for MGI’s goals.

MGI, together with the University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice, established the Center for Guaranteed Income Research. The Center’s purpose is to consolidate the key information from the pilots taking place in MGI member cities to address knowledge gaps and allow the organization to build data along with anecdotal evidence. To date, research has shown that, when people are given the extra financial support that they need, they use the money for basic needs and make smart decisions that set them up for greater financial security and mobility.

Visit the Guaranteed Income Pilot Program page to register for the information sessions and for more information about the program.

For inquiries from the news media only, contact Kelly Gilfillen, Acting Director, Office of Communications and Public Information, at kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 571.208.9001.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact jennifer.cohen@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3484, Virginia Relay 711.