MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Tacoma opens up applications for universal basic income pilot program

Aug 10, 2021, 9:57 AM | Updated: 11:37 am

Universal basic income...

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Applications are now open for Tacoma’s universal basic income pilot, which will pay participants $500 a month to cover a range of personal expenses.

Tacoma mayor considers universal basic income to ‘level the playing field’

Working with United Way of Pierce County, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, the Urban League, Sound Outreach, and the Tacoma Housing Authority, the city’s pilot will be called “Growing Resilience in Tacoma,” or GRIT.

The program will pay out $500 a month to 110 people every month for a year. Participants will be randomly selected based on a handful of qualifying factors, revolving largely around those laid out in the “ALICE” acronym: Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, and Employed. A special focus will be paid to BIPOC residents and single heads of household residents who meet the ALICE criteria.

More specifically, applicants must be a single parent/guardian household with children up to 17 years old (21 years old for children with disabilities). Eligibility is also limited to Tacoma residents living in the Eastside, Hilltop, and South Tacoma neighborhoods.

Those who are chosen will be asked to fill out a series of surveys for researchers to assess how they use the money they’re given. Each person will be given a $30 gift card for every survey they complete.

Tacoma mayor explains why she believes in universal basic income pilot

A second group will also receive $30 per survey to help researchers better understand their financial needs, but won’t receive the $500 monthly stipend.

The city will notify selected participants in mid-September.

A similar 18-month pilot in Stockton, Calif. — which handed out $500 direct monthly payments to over 125 families — showed that 40% of the money went to food, 25% went to sales and other merchandise, and 12% was spent on utility payments.

MyNorthwest News

Everett boy missing...

Frank Sumrall

4-year-old Everett boy missing, police worried he’s in danger

Police and Search and Rescue crews are looking for a missing four-year-old boy they suspect could be in danger.

21 minutes ago

Image: The awnings of a store advertise the sale of lottery tickets, including Mega Millions and Po...

Steve Coogan

Lottery jackpots update: Powerball prize jumps again after $1.1B Mega Millions win

A lottery jackpots update: The Powerball prize reached an estimated $935 million ahead of Saturday night's drawing.

10 hours ago

Photo: The Judge Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center....

James Lynch

King County’s plan to close youth detention center met with fierce backlash

The King County Law and Justice Committee received a final report on Executive Dow Constantine's plan to close a youth detention center.

12 hours ago

Image: A cargo ship is stuck under the part of the structure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge after ...

Associated Press

Authorities identify 2 bodies recovered at site of Baltimore bridge collapse

A major bridge in Baltimore snapped and collapsed after a container ship rammed into it early Tuesday, and several vehicles fell into the river below.

13 hours ago

Photo: Mountaineer Jim Whittaker has died at 95....

Gene Johnson, The Associated Press

Lou Whittaker, among the most famous American mountaineers, has died at age 95

Lou Whittaker, a legendary American mountaineer who helped lead ascents of Mount Everest, K2 and Denali, has died at age 95.

14 hours ago

File photo: Former Sen. Joe Lieberman speaks in Washington on Jan. 18, 2024....

Associated Press

Former Sen. Joe Lieberman, Democrats’ VP pick in 2000, dead at 82

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, who nearly won the vice presidency on the Democratic ticket with Al Gore in 2000, has died.

14 hours ago

Tacoma opens up applications for universal basic income pilot program