Doctor Seefeldt presents preliminary findings on Ann Arbor's guaranteed income program

In a recent Ann Arbor City Council work session, discussions centered around the city's Guaranteed Income Program, which aims to provide financial support to low- and moderate-income residents. Dr. Kristen Seefeldt from the University of Michigan presented preliminary findings from the program, which is funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars and supported by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation.

The Guaranteed Income to Grow Ann Arbor (GAE 2) initiative randomly selected 100 participants to receive $528 monthly for two years, while another 100 formed a control group receiving a modest $25 monthly. This program is designed to assess the impact of guaranteed income on participants' well-being, particularly concerning material hardship and food insecurity.

Dr. Seefeldt reported that initial results show no statistically significant difference in food insecurity or housing stability between those receiving payments and those in the control group. Alarmingly, the rates of food insecurity among participants were nearly double the national average for low-income individuals. This raises concerns, especially in light of rising grocery prices and potential changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Despite the lack of significant changes in material conditions, participants reported feeling more hopeful about their financial futures and appreciated the dignity that comes with receiving unconditional income, contrasting it with traditional public assistance programs that often require extensive verification and compliance.

The session also highlighted the importance of community engagement, with efforts to change the narrative around poverty and low-income experiences. The program's next steps include further interviews with participants, a public report on year one findings, and preparations for the conclusion of payments in December 2025.

As the program approaches its end, city officials expressed a commitment to ensuring participants feel valued and supported, emphasizing the need for clear communication about available resources and the temporary nature of the assistance. The discussions underscored the broader implications of guaranteed income initiatives and their potential to reshape community support systems in Ann Arbor.