Update Wednesday, July 7: City Council on Tuesday night approved a series of programs to receive funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. "Thirty projects, ranging in cost between $20,000 and $4 million, meet all goals for funding use and the City’s objectives, and align with the permitted use of the funds. Projects include stormwater enhancements and flooding mitigation; new business and commercial business district support programs; eviction prevention and rental resiliency; arts relief and recovery grants; re-employment and upskilling training; economic stability and tourism investments; and equity initiatives, including digital access and a guaranteed basic income pilot," city officials reported. A full list of programs and services is available here.
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Alexandria’s City Council will consider whether to start a Universal Basic Income pilot program as part of larger spending discussions around federal funding to help residents recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alexandria has received $29.8 million as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, and will have another set of funding for use in 2022 and beyond. According to ARPA, allowed uses of the funds include “responding to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts,” continued government services that were affected by a reduction in public revenue and investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure.
With community engagement, city staff has recommended a variety of ways to spend the money. “In developing the proposed Allocation Plan, staff worked to ensure that projects reflected the community’s interests, were feasible within the time constraints of ARPA funding, advanced the City’s equity goals, and had lasting impact on the community,” according to a memo from City Manager Mark Jinks.
City Council will consider two scenarios for the funding. Both include workforce stabilization programs, funding for digital equity, emergency support programs, a universal basic income pilot program, housing support, business support, equity programs, and stormwater and flooding mitigation support. The second scenario provides additional funding for larger projects but reduces funding for smaller projects. (See both scenarios here.)
The most expensive single line items in both scenarios are:
- $4 million for the Alexandria Community Access and Emergency Support Grant Program (funding to non-profit organizations that provide basic and emergency support for residents)
- $3.82 to $4.03 million for stormwater and sewer repairs and related projects
- $3 million for a new, Alexandria Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Project
- $2.5 to $2.83 million for the Unified Early Childhood Workforce Stabilization Initiative
The Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Project is one that other cities are trying with reportedly positive results, and Alexandria’s Community Foundation, ACT for Alexandria, is pushing to ensure this funding is included.
“Guaranteed income is a proven solution that can increase economic mobility, ensure greater economic freedom, and improve health and wellbeing,” wrote ACT for Alexandria’s Heather Peeler. The supplemental income is not designed to replace a job, but boosts bottom line income for those who need it most. “It helps low-income families even out the financial ups and downs, such as an unexpected car repair or reduced work hours, that prevent them from making ends meet.”
Alexandria’s pilot program would offer $500 per month for two years to 150 families. Richmond, Virginia is piloting a similar program with fewer families — just 18. Ellenville, New York is also piloting a program.
City council will vote on the spending for this program and the others listed in the city manager's memo at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
To watch the Tuesday, July 6 City Council meeting (starts at 5 p.m.):
Registration link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mYxZ__XPRFaZai9qhx_BXA
Webinar ID: 976 0202 5815
Webinar Passcode: 656479
Dial-in number: 301-715-8592
Interested residents can sign up to speak at: https://survey.alexandriava.gov/s3/2020-VIRTUAL-City-Council-Speakers-Form.
