Basic Income Pilot Program Introduced in Albuquerque, New Mexico

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Beginning in May 2025, the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, began their pilot program which was originally voted on in 2023 (1). In a March 2025 press release, the City Council announced the Cannabis Equity & Community Reinvestment resolution had been approved (2). The three-year program received $4.02 million (1-3), more than $2 million in City of Albuquerque Cannabis Tax Revenue will “fund a new Guaranteed Income Initiative to correct for historic inequity and help create economic stability for those trying to build a better future for their families,” (2).

The hope for the program is to help close the wealth gap. The city of Albuquerque will work on implementing this goal by giving “recurring funding” to low-income members of the community who are eligible within the West Side and International District, the press release mentioned (2). These districts were particularly selected due to two elementary school experiencing the highest rates of chronic absenteeism, and the lowest academic outcomes. The first group will include 80 households, and each month will receive $750 each year throughout the three-year program.

“This program puts money where it’s needed most, into the hands of struggling families working to build a better future,” said Mayor Tim Keller (2). “Albuquerque is a city that will always fight to correct injustices and will push to help families get the tools they need to succeed with dignity.”

“While we've secured the funding with R-25-116, ensuring the appropriation of $4.02 million goes to the Cannabis Equity and Community Reinvestment Fund, our work doesn't stop here. Now, we must demand clear implementation strategies and measurable outcomes. This isn't just about allocating dollars; it's about delivering tangible benefits to the communities disproportionately impacted by past injustices. We owe them more than good intentions; we owe them results.” Klarissa J. Peña, Albuquerque District 3 Councilor commented (2).

The program will be orchestrated by the City of Albuquerque’s Office of Equity Inclusion (OEI) (2). “Families are creative problem solvers. This program gives them the power to make choices that create stability and opportunity,” said Sonya Lara, OEI Director (2). “Across the country, guaranteed income programs are changing lives, and we’re bringing that impact to Albuquerque.”

Additionally, the press release (2) mentioned that the Guaranteed Income pilot-programs will be prioritized to individuals that have been negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis. For example (2), “people of Black, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander identity, women, low-income families, and youth ages 14 – 24.”

“I am overjoyed that GBI is going to become a reality using Government funding,” Nichole Rogers, Albuquerque District 6 Councilor, expressed (2). “Most pilots have been funded by philanthropy, and this sends a huge message across the Country that Government can and should help people, who are willing to work on themselves a hand up out of poverty! I am so grateful to all the Councilors who voted in favor of finally beginning to end poverty”

Individuals in the program will be able to get financial counseling via the Office of Financial Empowerment (OFE), which will assist these members to “prepare for life after their programming comes to an end,” (2).

References

1. Abbott, G. Albuquerque launches basic income pilot program using cannabis funds - ganjapreneur https://www.ganjapreneur.com/albuquerque-launches-basic-income-pilot-program-using-cannabis-funds/ (accessed May 22, 2025).
2. A pathway to economic stability for families: Funding approved for guaranteed income initiative https://www.cabq.gov/office-of-equity-inclusion/news/a-pathway-to-economic-stability-for-families-funding-approved-for-guaranteed-income-initiative (accessed May 22, 2025).
3. Niemeyer, K. A marijuana tax is now funding $750 no-strings-attached monthly payments to families in New Mexico https://www.businessinsider.com/albuquerque-new-mexico-basic-income-marijuana-tax-2025-5 (accessed May 22, 2025).