Somerville city officials report on guaranteed basic income pilot program outcomes

The Somerville City Equity Committee meeting on April 17, 2025, spotlighted the city's innovative Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) pilot program, which aims to provide financial relief to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), has been running since July 2024 and is set to conclude in June 2025.

Erica, the ARPA director, and her colleague Jenny Tse detailed the program's structure, which supports 200 households with monthly payments of $750, totaling $1.8 million over the year. Participants, primarily recruited from vulnerable populations facing housing crises, have reported using the funds for essential needs such as rent, food, and transportation. Notably, over 75% of participants have less than $50 left on their debit cards at the end of each month, indicating that the funds are crucial for meeting immediate needs.

The committee discussed the program's impact and the challenges of continuing GBI beyond the pilot phase. While the ARPA funding allowed for direct cash assistance, future iterations may face legal and budgetary constraints under the city's general fund, which has stricter regulations on direct benefits to individuals. The committee expressed a commitment to exploring ways to support vulnerable community members, emphasizing the importance of dignity and choice in financial assistance.

As the pilot approaches its end, the city plans to conduct a final survey to assess the program's impact on economic stability and well-being. The committee is eager to gather insights from participants about their experiences and needs moving forward, with discussions anticipated in the next meeting. The GBI program represents a significant step in Somerville's efforts to address poverty and support its most vulnerable residents.