In October 2021, former Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the Basic Income Guaranteed: Los Angeles Economic Assistance Pilot (BIG:LEAP) program, providing $1,000 per month in unconditional cash payments for 12 months to over 3,200 households living in deep poverty within Los Angeles. The program, aimed at those impacted by COVID-19 and below the federal poverty threshold, was implemented by the city’s Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) and supported by both local council leaders and external funds. The Center for Guaranteed Income Research (CGIR), in collaboration with USC and UCLA, conducted a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial to examine the program’s impacts.
The findings revealed overwhelmingly positive outcomes for participants, including increased savings, reduced food insecurity, improved financial well-being, and enhanced mental and physical health. Participants also reported reduced intimate partner violence, better community interactions, and increased engagement in child enrichment activities. These results underscore the potential of guaranteed income to alleviate poverty and improve quality of life, offering valuable insights for future policies aimed at economic stability and social well-being.