125 randomly selected residents. $500 per month. 24 months.
The Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) is the nation’s first mayor led guaranteed income demonstration. Launched in February 2019 by former Mayor Michael D. Tubbs, SEED gave 125 randomly selected residents $500/month for 24 months. The cash was completely unconditional, with no strings attached and no work requirements.
Aiming to test a simple yet innovative solution to poverty and inequality, SEED’s preliminary findings show how just $500 a month can provide the dignity and agency that everyone deserves.
Poverty is the biggest issue. Everything we deal with stems from that. There’s so many people working incredibly hard, and if life happens, there’s no bottom.
— Former Mayor Michael D. Tubbs
Our Key Findings
Guaranteed income reduced income volatility, or the month-to-month income fluctuations that households face.
Recipients of guaranteed income were healthier, showing less depression and anxiety and enhanced wellbeing.
Unconditional cash enabled recipients to find full-time employment.
The guaranteed income alleviated financial scarcity creating new opportunities for self-determination, choice, goal-setting, and risk-taking.
Participant Stories
Data alone doesn’t change hearts and minds, nor does it disrupt deep-seated social narratives about deservedness. Data also doesn’t challenge the racialized and gendered biases we hold, and that our policy decisions have codified. That’s why storytelling is embedded in SEED -- Stockton is an all-American city and a microcosm of this country; we’re confident that Stockton’s stories will be, too.
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Before SEED came along, I was paying a lot of bills and didn’t know how I was gonna eat…it’s like being able to breathe.
— Laura, Participant
The movement for a guaranteed income continues with you.
From SEED grew Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, a coalition of 40 mayors and counting who are advocating for a federal guaranteed income. Sign up to join.