Proponents of universal basic income and general income programs say direct cash payments to low-income residents would reduce inequality and alleviate poverty.

[Updated Jan. 14, 2021] With millions of people out of work, policymakers have started looking to Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a way to support working families and prevent more Americans from falling into poverty. In Compton, a new pilot program called the Compton Pledge will provide up to $1,000 per month to qualifying families for two years. If successful, the program could symbolize a powerful new weapon against poverty and inequality. With its means test, Compton Pledge is a "guaranteed income" program, rather than a "universal basic income" program. The latter provides payments to all citizens.
KCRW's Press Play with Madeleine Brand interviewed Compton Mayor Aja Brown about the program. "There's empirical data from other guaranteed income pilots across the nation over the last two years that really underscore that people are making the smart decisions and the best decisions for their family with this additional income,” she said, expressing optimism that the guaranteed income will help families where they need it most.
Compton program recipients will be chosen at random from a list of low-income residents, and the city hopes to expand the program in the future. "Guaranteed income is really about dignity," asserts Mayor Brown, who herself faced poverty as a child. "All people deserve to live a life free of terror from not having the basic necessities."
[Article updated to clarify that the program is a guaranteed income program, rather than a universal basic income.]
FULL STORY: Up to $1000 per month for Compton families: Mayor Aja Brown rolls out guaranteed income program

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds
With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas
Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
City of Moreno Valley
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland