Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI)
About Guaranteed Basic Income
The Office of Equity & Inclusion announced the Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) initiative to support eligible residents in the International District and Southwest Albuquerque. This program offers unconditional, regular financial support to help families meet essential living expenses and ease economic hardship. Funded by Cannabis Equity & Community Reinvestment Fund, the initiative is a meaningful step toward reinvesting in communities that have experienced long-standing systemic inequities. It reflects the City’s commitment to promoting economic justice and supporting the well-being of all residents.
Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
Can I apply for to the Guaranteed Basic Income Initiative?
At this time, we are no longer accepting applications from additional families to the Guaranteed Basic Income initiative. The first group of eligible and participating schools was identified through a community-led process, where residents and advocates helped shape how cannabis reinvestment dollars should be used. Albuquerque Public Schools and a strong network of community partners supported this effort, and final school selections were confirmed using aggregate data from the New Mexico Public Education Department to ensure high-need areas were prioritized. Participation was opt-in for schools, and only families from selected school communities were invited to join the first phase. This approach centers equity and honors the voices of those most impacted by past cannabis criminalization.
What is the Guaranteed Income Initiative Pilot in Albuquerque?
The Guaranteed Income Initiative provides monthly financial support to eligible low-income households in Albuquerque's International District and Southwest Mesa. The first cohort includes at least 80 households, each receiving $750 per month.
Why is this program necessary?
Systemic inequalities have historically made it difficult for marginalized communities to overcome class barriers and build generational wealth. This program addresses those injustices and creates pathways and resources for families to achieve economic stability and dignity. Students who live in communities with high levels of poverty are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care. Research shows that Guaranteed Income programs implemented in other cities and counties significantly reduced issues of stress, intimate partner violence, neighborhood violence, food insecurity, and increased healthy habits. This pilot initiative will offer our community time and opportunities to grow and invest in their families, their own health, and the local economy.
How do people use money?
The Guaranteed Income Program respects the privacy and autonomy of participants in how they see fit to use funding in their lives. Funds from other Guaranteed Income Initiatives often go towards groceries, support with rent payments, Recipients of funds who work multiple jobs have used funds to supplement income to spend more time investing in themselves and their families, schedule more appointments with healthcare providers (like doctors and dentists), or save money to use in emergency situations, reducing demand on social service agencies.
Who is funding this program?
This program is funded through the City of Albuquerque’s Cannabis Equity & Community Reinvestment Fund, which was approved by City Council. The fund was created to address the harms caused by the historic criminalization of marijuana—harms that disproportionately impacted Black, Hispanic, and Native communities. By reinvesting in the neighborhoods and families most affected, the City is taking an intentional step toward equity and justice. No taxpayer dollars are being used for this program. While all eligible families in selected schools may apply, the goal is to reach those most impacted by these past injustices.
What is the role of the Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI)?
OEI houses the Office of Financial Empowerment OFE which is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing the program. OEI will manage the program's construction, ensure it aligns with the City's equity goals, and coordinate efforts with community partners to deliver services such as drug awareness, financial literacy, and professional career development.
What are the expected outcomes of the program?
Guaranteed Income programs have been shown to reduce the financial stress and anxiety of struggling families due to the improved access to education and employment, and enhance community safety and resilience. This pilot program will allow OEI and the City of Albuquerque the opportunity to review the program’s impact on community and educational and consider application of future funding.