Nearly 40% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency.

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Nearly 40% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency.

The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration

The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) is the country’s first mayor led guaranteed income demonstration. We aim to test a simple yet innovative solution to poverty and inequality.

Residents

Dollars

Months

Generating New Ideas. Solving Big Problems

SEED is born out of the simple belief that the best investments we can make are in our people. In February 2019, we began giving 125 Stocktonians a guaranteed income of $500/month for 18 months. This income is unconditional, meaning there are no strings attached and no work requirements. A hand up, rather than a hand out, SEED seeks to empower its recipients financially and to prove to supporters and skeptics alike that poverty results from a lack of cash, not character.

Research

SEED is being evaluated by a team of independent researchers, who will help us understand how an additional $500/month impacts financial, physical, and emotional well-being.

Storytelling

SEED seeks to humanize economic insecurity – we will have a storytelling cohort that speaks about their experience in the program.

Community Engagement

SEED is for and about the Stockton community. Throughout the demonstration, we will have opportunities for all Stockton residents to get involved.