Ithaca Guaranteed Income (IGI)

Ithaca Guaranteed Income (IGI) was launched in 2022 by Mayor Svante Myrick.

110

participants

$450

monthly payment

1 Year

duration

$594,000

invested in community

logo
Program Features  
Number of Participants110 individuals
Amount$450
Frequencymonthly
Program DatesJune 2022-May 2023
EligibilityPrimary unpaid caregivers to children and aging or disabled adults that reside in Ithaca and have an income at or below 80% Area Median Income.

About the Ithaca Guaranteed Income (IGI)

Even before COVID-19, income and wealth inequality were at historic highs and many people who were working multiple jobs couldn’t afford basic necessities. Ithaca Guaranteed Income (IGI) is a research pilot that asks the question: how does a guaranteed income effect the housing stability and overall wellness of our city's care-givers. Cash is the currency of urgency, and guaranteed income works more effectively when it’s direct and unconditional. Research tells us that recipients of direct cash assistance overwhelmingly use money on their basic needs: housing, utilities, food, and unexpected medical expenses or other financial emergencies that can undermine their health and well-being. People can be trusted to make their own financial choices. (Photo credit: Christian Phillips, courtesy of Sasaki)

Pilot concluded in 2023.

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Demographic Data for Study Participants

Median Annual Household income

IGI

$15,702

Ithaca, NY

$40,973

Annual Household Income (Mean)

$20,041

Sample Size

110

Avg. Age of Respondent

41

Avg. Children in Household

2

Avg. Household Size

3

gender

Male

23%

Female

74%

Other

3%

marital status

Married

19%

Single

64%

Partnered/In-Relationship

17%

children in household

Yes

83%

No

17%

race

White

52%

African American

29%

American Indian/Alaska Native

2%

Asian

5%

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

0%

Latino

2%

Other/Mixed

12%

ethnicity

Hispanic

14%

Non-Hispanic

86%

primary language at home

English

90%

Spanish

2%

Other

8%

Economic Context for Pilot Participants

The guaranteed income pilot launched during a period of dynamic change and economic challenges for pilot participants. The chart below situates this pilot in the context of unemployment and inflation.

Start of Covid-19 PandemicJan 2019MarMayJulSepNovJan 2020MarMayJulSepNovJan 2021MarMayJulSepNovJan 2022MarMayJulSepNovJan 2023MarMayJulSepNovJan 2024MarMayJulSepNovJan 2025MarMayJulSepNovJan 202602468101214161820Unemployment02468101214161820Inflation
Unemployment  
Inflation  
Pilot Timeline
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Spending Breakdown

The data in this pie chart shows aggregate spending for guaranteed income participants in Ithaca, NY. This includes all non-cash expenditures from the participants' pre-paid debit card that is loaded with guaranteed income payments monthly.

Spending breakdown

Food and groceries accounted for the largest share of spending, at 38.45%, followed by Retail sales and services (25.03%) and Financial transactions (14.91%).

Murray

"I've been able to help out some of my relatives with money for gas and got a couple more other relatives who were low on food and I was able to help with that. I appreciate what's happened in my life and I want to give back and I want to share and give hope to other people"

Murray

Just Income

Gainesville, FL

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