After the Pilot Ended: Austin Participants Keep Moving Ahead

The Urban Institute’s final research report on the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot shows promising results. Participants increased their income, improved housing stability and food security, and secured better jobs.

UpTogether partnered with the City of Austin and philanthropic supporters for the 12-month pilot, providing $1,000 monthly to 135 families between September 2022 and August 2023.

Key Findings from the Austin Guaranteed Income Pilot:

Income and Employment

• Median household income rose during the pilot and continued to grow six months afterward, often linked to investments in education and skills training.
• While overall employment levels remained steady, 30% of participants secured better jobs or higher wages.

Housing Stability

• Housing security improved significantly. The share of participants caught up on rent rose from 48% at the start of the pilot to 67% six months after the pilot ended.

Food Security

• Food security rates improved during the pilot and remained higher than baseline six months after its conclusion.

KVUE reported on the findings. Participant Taniquewa Brewster told the outlet, “I am working full time because I was able to get a certification as a leasing agent. It was motivation to do more.”

The Urban Institute noted the importance of flexibility for participants to use funds in ways that best supported their goals. The report also found that direct cash supports the entire community, as some participants used funds to help others and strengthen social networks.

The report suggested more research into the stress participants face when they transition off of direct cash and explore appropriate amounts and timelines to meet diverse needs sustainably.

What’s Ahead

Based on the success of this initiative, the City of Austin passed Family Stabilization Grants for 160 families, funded by $1.3 million in city funds and additional support from philanthropic donors. Families are receiving $1,000 a month for 12 months, ending in May 2025. 

“We are grateful to our partners at the Urban Institute for studying the impact of investing directly in families. The findings highlight the power of trusting families with the resources they need to achieve their goals, making a strong case for broader adoption of direct cash initiatives,” said Ivanna Neri, Senior Director of Partnerships for UpTogether.