Rise Up Alameda
The Alameda City Council directed $4.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to launch Rise Up Alameda, the City’s first-ever guaranteed income pilot program that provided $1,000 per month to 150 low-income Alameda households over a two-year period. The goals of Rise Up Alameda were 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.
Photo: Maurice Ramirez
Why Guaranteed Income?
Photo: Maurice Ramirez
Guaranteed income (GI) programs are distinct from other financial assistance programs in that they provide direct financial assistance with no restrictions. Participants can use GI payments to meet their individual needs rather than being limited to specific expense categories. This flexibility is unique and empowers recipients to make financial decisions in a way that best meets their basic needs, allowing for dignity and self-determination.
Research indicates that GI programs increase spending on education and training, improve food security, and improve measures of well-being among the recipients. The City of Stockton’s pilot program is perhaps the most well-known local example that demonstrated increased financial stability among the recipients. With scientifically proven success, interest in GI programs is growing and Rise Up Alameda is one of over 200 cities and local jurisdictions across the country that are conducting or have recently conducted GI pilot programs.
Administrative Structure
The City partnered with several organizations to oversee the program, including administration, research, distribution of payments, and an advisory board. Operation Dignity served as the implementation partner, providing program support, outreach and communication. Abt Global served as the pilot’s research partner, conducting surveys to measure the statistical significance of the program’s effectiveness. Abt’s final report found consistent improvements in participants’ financial well-being, mental well-being, and employment flexibility.
Photo: Maurice Ramirez
Storytelling & Narrative Change
While the scientific research is an integral part of measuring the program’s success, data alone does not tell the full story. The City partnered with Wild Seed Consulting to film, photograph and conduct in depth interviews with eight Rise Up Alameda participants about their program experience. These moving stories better contextualize the scientific data, humanize the participants and shift harmful narratives about poverty in Alameda and beyond. To maintain the integrity of the pilot program research, the City was not permitted to communicate with participants until after the survey research concluded. These personal stories are being shared for the very first time and the City is grateful to the participants for graciously sharing their personal experience and for welcoming our team into their homes.
Contact Info
Rise Up Alameda was made possible by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, a one-time allocation. The program has concluded and there are no plans for another guaranteed income program at this time. If you have any questions, please email gi@alamedaca.gov.