NEWBURGH, N.Y. – The City of Newburgh is moving toward launching a one-year pilot program that would provide direct financial support to low-income residents in an effort to help them cover expenses and remain in the community.
Program Overview
Under the proposed Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Program, 100 selected residents would receive $300 per month for 12 months, with no restrictions on how the funds could be spent. The initiative aims to offer financial stability to residents facing economic hardship and to help prevent displacement from the city.
City Economic Development Director Ali Church explained that the project would be funded by a $450,000 grant.
“The City of Newburgh specifically is part of a grant called the Anti-Displacement Learning Network grant, [which] took an initiative to see if guaranteed basic income in some level in a pilot scheme could reduce displacement from the City of Newburgh,” Church said.
Target Population
Roughly one-third of Newburgh’s population meets the income criteria for eligibility. From this pool, households would be selected to participate in the program. City officials say the funds would have no spending restrictions, giving recipients the flexibility to use the money where it’s needed most—whether for rent, utilities, food, or other essential costs.
Council Support
During Thursday night’s workshop session, council members expressed broad support for moving forward with the plan. The initiative reflects a growing interest in guaranteed income models across the country, with municipalities exploring them as tools to reduce poverty and increase economic stability.
If approved, the Newburgh pilot could begin later this year, serving as a test case for whether direct, unconditional payments can help residents not only meet immediate needs but also remain in their homes and neighborhoods long-term.
City leaders are expected to revisit the proposal in upcoming sessions to finalize details and determine the launch timeline.
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