Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the formation of an advisory group to guide the Chicago Empowerment Fund, a guaranteed income pilot program that will utilize federal funds from the American Recovery Plan Act. The advisory group, consisting of City of Chicago officials, City Council members, and community advocates, will focus on eligibility and outreach strategies for the pilot.

Mayor Johnson emphasized the significance of the guaranteed income program, stating, "When I said I would ensure the City uses these federal recovery dollars to invest in people, this guaranteed income program is exactly what I meant." The initiative aims to provide direct financial support to Chicagoans in need, offering relief to help families and communities meet financial obligations.

Rich Wallace, Founder and Executive Director of Equity and Transformation (E.A.T.), praised the initiative as a demonstration of people power and democracy in action, stating, "This initiative is an example of what becomes possible when the people most affected in Chicago organize, dream of new solutions, and advocate for those solutions to be implemented by their elected leadership."

In addition to the local efforts, Mayor Johnson has also joined Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, a national coalition advocating for a guaranteed income to establish a financial safety net for all Americans. Harish I. Patel, Vice President at Build the Field at Economic Security Project, expressed excitement about the return of guaranteed income to Chicago, highlighting its positive impact on economic resilience and stability.

The announcement aligns with the broader movement towards guaranteed income programs, with data showing that recipients prioritize basic necessities, education, and debt repayment. The City's previous guaranteed income pilot, the Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, demonstrated positive outcomes, particularly benefiting Black and female participants.

The Johnson Administration's commitment to addressing poverty and promoting economic security through initiatives like the guaranteed income pilot reflects a year of substantial policy achievements. The City of Chicago invites residents to stay informed about the re-launch of the program by visiting chicago.gov/cashpilot.

The advisory group's formation and Mayor Johnson's involvement in the national coalition underscore Chicago's position as a leader in advocating for guaranteed income as a vital tool for supporting residents' financial well-being and stability.