Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla has signed an executive order creating a Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI) Task Force aimed at crafting a pilot program, strengthening the financial stability of low-income residents.
The task force will develop eligibility rules, determine monthly payment levels, establish pilot duration, explore funding strategies, and set standards.
The task force will be made up of representatives from the city, the Hoboken Housing Authority, and local nonprofit and legal service organizations like HOPES, the Hoboken Shelter, and the Hoboken Community Center.
The initiative targets Hoboken residents facing economic pressure, including families with children, seniors on fixed incomes, and households whose wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. About 7.1% of the city’s population, or approximately 4,000 residents, currently live below the federal poverty line.
The program will provide unrestricted monthly cash payments directly to individuals, supplementing existing social safety nets. Research shows that direct cash assistance can boost local economic activity.
Bhalla’s office stated that the task force will report quarterly to the mayor and city council. The team is required to submit a final plan within 90 days of the announcement and the program is expected to launch in early winter 2027.
The move looks to successful implementations of similar programs across the country, including in Newark.
Residents interested in joining the GBI Task Force can apply for a two-year appointment through the city’s online portal by January 9, 2026. More information here.
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