May 1st 2024.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the relaunch of the city's guaranteed basic income program, utilizing $374 million in federal funding that was earmarked for community projects. While there has been some delay in spending this money since 2021, the popular program is expected to help the city meet the 2026 deadline for its use. Mayor Johnson and his administration are determined to ensure that all of the funds are spent and not returned to the Treasury. As Budget Director Annette Guzman stated, the Mayor's focus is on correctly utilizing these funds and making a positive impact on the community.
The guaranteed basic income program, along with other initiatives such as newborn support for families and community violence intervention programming, is part of the Johnson administration's people-first strategy to utilize the American Rescue Plan Act funding. The Mayor's dedication to making a difference in Chicago communities has been recognized by organizations such as The Network, who expressed their gratitude for the additional $5 million in emergency funds allocated to the Survivor Fund. This safety net is crucial for survivors in crisis and helping them get back on their feet.
In 2023, thousands of Chicago families benefited from the guaranteed basic income program, with many expressing their wish that it had been available for a longer period. Guzman revealed that details for the next round of payments are currently being finalized. The administration is also actively investing in low-risk programs to maximize the remaining funds for the benefit of the Chicago community. Over $80 million will be allocated to 53 different programs, including $63 million for the GBI program, $66 million for a Youth Opportunities Program, $33 million for small businesses and nonprofits, and $10 million for survivors of gender-based violence.
While the administration is working to meet the deadline for spending the pandemic-era funds, there may be a potential roadblock in the form of an ordinance proposed by Alderman Bill Conway. This proposal would require City Council approval for any project exceeding $1 million in COVID-19 relief funding. However, it has yet to be heard after $95 million in funding was reallocated to support and house migrants coming to Chicago.
Regarding the GBI program, initial guidelines set by the previous mayor, Lori Lightfoot, are likely to remain in place. Recipients must reside within the city limits, be at least 18 years old, have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, and fall at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. Mayor Johnson reiterated his commitment to using federal funds to assist Chicago residents in a press release on April 30. He stated that his administration has developed a plan to strategically use these funds to make a direct and concrete impact on the lives of people in Chicago.
Guzman also shared the Mayor's dedication to ensuring these funds reach the communities that need them the most. The Office of Budget and Management has been working to identify any potential roadblocks to distributing the funds, including timely payment for organizations assisting with program administration. Through collaboration with City departments, they are confident that the impact of these initiatives will be maximized for the benefit of all Chicagoans.
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