Former California mayor pushes guaranteed income as fix for affordability crisis

The architect behind the nation's growing movement for no-strings-attached cash pilot programs is doubling down on direct payments, arguing that unconditional cash transfers are the fastest route to easing the burden of high living costs.

"Giving families direct, unrestricted cash is the fastest way to address the affordability crisis," the advocacy group Mayors for a Guaranteed Income declared in a recent video on X. "Data from pilots across the country show that guaranteed income works. It's time for us to get to work and make it a reality."

Former Stockton, California, Mayor Michael Tubbs — founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income — argued in an accompanying video that traditional economic solutions fail to provide immediate relief to struggling families.

According to Tubbs, "half of U.S. states saw some kind of guaranteed income legislation introduced" this year.

"At a time when key federal aid programs are being dismantled, state leaders are picking up the slack and looking for ways to bolster economic stability for residents. Ultimately, I believe this needs to become a federal intervention, and we are building the momentum needed to earn that kind of national support," he told Fox News Digital.

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Americans nationwide have struggled to grapple with rising costs of living, healthcare, and gas prices.

"The U.S. is unaffordable for almost all of us," Tubbs said. "Yet, so many solutions about affordability focus on the importance of long-term solutions, like building more affordable housing or breaking up monopolies. But people also need relief now."

Tubbs' comments coincided with an Oct. 13 celebration hosted by the group and Alameda, California, city leaders marking the completion of "Rise Up Alameda," the city's first guaranteed income pilot project. City staff presented the program's final 24-month evaluation report to the Alameda City Council on Oct. 6.

The Alameda City Council previously allocated $4.6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to finance the program, which provided 150 low-income households with $1,000 per month over two years.

"Guaranteed income is a proven tool to help our most vulnerable residents achieve financial stability," Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft said. "I am proud that Alameda launched this critical program when families need it most."

Ashcraft also provided a statement to Fox News Digital on Friday.

"As Mayor of the City of Alameda, one of 14 cities in Alameda County, I am focused on the health and wellbeing of residents of the City of Alameda," she said.

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According to the citys official site, the pilot aimed to "reduce economic instability for program participants, help to change local narratives and perceptions surrounding poverty and the provision of public benefits, and help to support and inform the national discussion regarding public benefits and anti-poverty policies."

"There are now more than 30 independent, scientifically-rigorous studies, including around 10,000 recipients of guaranteed income; this is the largest body of research ever amassed on guaranteed income. Very few policies have bee