Adrienne Adams, the New York City Council speaker and mayoral candidate, proposed a guaranteed basic income program to assist over 21,000 homeless children and young adults, a plan that would be the largest of its kind in the United States. The initiative is her top campaign proposal to differentiate herself in a crowded field of Democratic candidates. As Council speaker, she helped fund a guaranteed income program for 161 pregnant women, highlighting her focus on proven solutions to societal issues like homelessness. The proposed program would provide assistance to homeless children under 5, unaccompanied youth aged 18-24, and young adults leaving the foster system, offering one-time stipends followed by monthly payments over three years.
Guaranteed income programs have gained popularity among liberal Democrats as a way to support vulnerable populations and provide stability. Many large cities, including Los Angeles and Chicago, have implemented such programs. In the 2021 New York City mayoral race, Andrew Yang proposed a guaranteed income plan, amidst other ambitious policy plans put forth by candidates like Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander. While Democrats advocate for these programs to offer lifelines, conservatives argue that they are wasteful and advocate for work requirements. Ms. Adams’ proposal aims to address homelessness, affordability, and other pressing issues facing New York City residents.
Adams, a fierce critic of Mayor Eric Adams, has emphasized her experience in budget negotiation and her commitment to integrity as key qualifications for the mayoral role. She has also supported significant housing initiatives, like the City of Yes proposal, aiming to create 80,000 new homes over 15 years. The proposed guaranteed income program would cost the city roughly $430 million over two years, relying on social impact bonds and private partnerships for funding. The existing program funded by the Council supported new mothers struggling with housing instability, providing cash that helped cover basic necessities and improved recipients’ overall well-being.
One recipient of the City Council’s guaranteed income program, Briana Drummer, praised the support she received through the initiative. As a pregnant woman living in a family shelter, she used the funds to secure baby supplies, pursue her education in psychology, and move into permanent housing. Drummer’s experience reflects the positive impact that guaranteed income can have on individuals, reducing stress and improving financial stability. Ms. Adams argues that such programs not only assist families in need but also have broader societal benefits like reducing homelessness, enhancing public safety, and potentially lowering city expenditures on shelters.
As the mayoral race unfolds, candidates are proposing various policy plans to address the challenges facing New York City residents, from homelessness to affordability. Ms. Adams’ guaranteed income program stands out as a significant intervention to support vulnerable populations and reduce societal disparities. By emphasizing her track record in budget negotiation, housing initiatives, and her commitment to integrity, Adams positions herself as a candidate focused on practical solutions to the city’s most pressing issues. The proposed program could serve as a model for other cities seeking innovative approaches to address homelessness and support marginalized communities.
