A new guaranteed income program in Sacramento, California is making headlines for offering eligible residents $850 monthly payments for 12 months, a total of $10,200 over the course of a year.
But don’t expect a universal payout. This is a targeted program designed exclusively for local artists, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). According to the city’s Office of Arts and Culture, it’s the first initiative of its kind in the region, and one they hope will empower artists to sustain their creative careers post-pandemic.
“This is a rare and significant opportunity for local artists,” said Melissa Cirone, grants and programs manager. “This fellowship is a meaningful way to provide the resources they need to thrive.”
Who’s Eligible?
To qualify for the monthly payments, you must:
- Be a resident of Sacramento
- Be 18 or older
- Work in one of the following disciplines:
- Craft
- Dance
- Design
- Film
- Literary arts
- Music
- Oral traditions
- Social practice
- Theater
- Visual arts
- Interdisciplinary arts
Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to their artistic practice, and quality of work will factor into final selection.
When to Apply
Applications opened on June 2 and will remain open until June 20. Payments will begin on August 1, 2025 for those selected. Details and forms are available on the City of Sacramento’s official website.
What Makes This Program Different?
Unlike traditional welfare systems, guaranteed income (GI) programs don’t require recipients to be unemployed, drug-tested, or meet specific financial thresholds. The idea is to reduce poverty while encouraging work, not penalize it.
This Sacramento-based pilot joins a growing list of city-led GI programs across the U.S., many launched with funds from Biden’s American Rescue Plan. Others include:
- Minnesota: $500/month for 18 months to artists
- California (pilot): $1,000/month to qualifying mothers
- Alaska (ongoing): Dividends to residents from oil revenues
Still, GI programs remain controversial. Supporters say they provide economic security and dignity. Critics argue they’re too expensive to scale nationally and could promote long-term government dependency.
States like Texas and Iowa have recently tried to block similar initiatives, citing fiscal concerns and ideological opposition to universal-style payouts.
Why It Matters
This Sacramento program is a test case for how local government can support the arts and stimulate culture-based economies. It also marks a major shift in how cities think about income support, not as a stopgap, but as a foundation for community investment.
Artists interested in applying should visit the City of Sacramento’s website before the June 20 deadline.
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