Richmond City is set to launch a new cohort for its guaranteed income program, with 880 applicants already qualifying since its initiation on May 26, 2025. The program, which will provide participants with $500 monthly for two years, aims to support families in need and will implement a lottery system to ensure fairness in selection.

During the recent Education and Human Services meeting, officials discussed the collaboration with UpTogether, the program's administrator. Notably, UpTogether has agreed to cover the administrative costs of $50,000, returning an additional $10,000 to the city, which will enhance the program's resources without imposing overhead costs on participants.

The application process will continue through June, with a focus on gathering data about applicants' origins to provide insights into community needs across different council districts. This data will be shared with the city council to highlight participation levels and ensure transparency.

The program's structure remains consistent with previous iterations, emphasizing the city's commitment to supporting its residents through innovative financial assistance. The lottery system, overseen by Virginia Commonwealth University's Research Institute on Social Equity, aims to maintain integrity and fairness in the selection process.

As Richmond prepares to move forward with this initiative, officials are optimistic about its potential impact on the community, reinforcing the importance of equitable access to resources for families in need. The next steps will involve finalizing the selection of participants and beginning the distribution of funds, anticipated to start in July.