Stimulus 2023: Ann Arbor City Council Introduces Guaranteed Income Program

The Ann Arbor City Council has approved a new guaranteed income program that will provide $525 per month to 100 low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs in the city. The program, which is funded by $1.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, will run for 24 months.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the program, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Ann Arbor
• Have an income below 300% of the federal poverty level
• Be engaged in low-level entrepreneurship, such as gig work, informal businesses from their home, or services provided to neighbors or friends

How do I apply?

Applications for the program will open on August 1, 2023. To apply, you will need to complete an online application and provide proof of income and residency. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all 100 slots are filled.

What are the benefits of the program?

The guaranteed income program is designed to help low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs cover their basic expenses and build their businesses. The program is also expected to have a number of other benefits, such as:

• Reducing poverty
• Increasing financial stability
• Improving mental and physical health
• Boosting economic activity

Where can I learn more?

For more information about the guaranteed income program, please visit the following websites:

• Ann Arbor City Council: https://www.a2gov.org/
• University of Michigan Poverty Solutions: https://poverty.umich.edu/

Quotes:

• “We believe that this program will have a positive impact on the lives of low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs in our community,” said Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor. “We are excited to see what they will accomplish with this additional financial support.”
• “This program is a critical step in our efforts to build a more equitable Ann Arbor,” said City Councilmember Jeff Hayner. “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and this program will help make that a reality for many people.”

Background:

The guaranteed income program is one of several initiatives that the Ann Arbor City Council has implemented in recent years to address poverty and inequality in the city. Other initiatives include the Living Wage Ordinance, which requires employers to pay their workers a living wage, and the Ann Arbor Promise, which provides free tuition to city residents who attend Washtenaw Community College.

Conclusion:

The Ann Arbor guaranteed income program is a significant step forward in the city’s efforts to address poverty and inequality. The program is expected to have a number of positive benefits for low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs, and it is a model that could be replicated in other cities across the country.

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