pages: CityCouncil/2022-05-17.pdf, 15
This data as json
body | date | page | text | path |
---|---|---|---|---|
CityCouncil | 2022-05-17 | 15 | Councilmember Herrera Spencer stated the recommendation is to serve 150 low income households; inquired how many low income households exist in Alameda. The Development Manager responded the amount depends on the definition of low income; stated staff has performed preliminary estimates based on median area income; the amount is considerable. Mayor Ezzy Ashcraft stated that she would like a range of information provided in order to define low income. The Development Manager stated that he does not currently have the numbers, but can provide them after public comment. Urged enactment of a pilot Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) program; stated pilot program test groups of single mothers with school aged children have been performed elsewhere: Marilyn Rothman, Alameda. Expressed support for the proposed program; stated GBI is an important step in a transition the City can make towards justice and meeting basic needs; GBI ensures the City makes a commitment to high quality and standards of living for everyone; urged Council to approve the program: Savanna Cheer, Alameda. Discussed her Native American Tribe's basic income program; stated the pilot program will be a great start in providing for basic needs; the program can change people's lives; urged Council to follow through with the program and fund it as fully as possible; expressed support for a higher distribution amount: Jenice Anderson, Alameda. Expressed support for the proposed program; stated GBI works and moves beyond old patterns of paternalism and outdated anti-poverty programs; the program provides autonomy to people to meet their needs and have stability; urged Council to pursue the program and staff recommendations: Jennifer Rakowski, Alameda. Stated the program is a wonderful idea; the goal is for people to sustain themselves; the program could mean self-sufficiency; urged Council to approve the program: Melodye Montgomery, Alameda. The Development Manager stated based on data from 2019 American Community Survey (ACS) approximately 11,000 households in Alameda are under $75,000 in household income; depending on how the City decides to define low income, the number of households can vary; a significant number of households are eligible for the program. Councilmember Knox White stated that he appreciates how much work went into the proposed program; expressed support for GBI; stated City staff have performed outstanding work; he is confident in following the recommendations; expressed support for the program being meaningful and providing the necessary data and for program efficiency; stated that he is confident staff will keep administration costs down; the subcommittee requested a meaningful program evaluation; the pilot should not be short term and forgotten; the program should add to the volume of knowledge that is being developed and collected; the program can change over the years and is a way to provide some of the money received to families struggling through the Regular Meeting Alameda City Council May 17, 2022 15 | CityCouncil/2022-05-17.pdf |