The Community and Economic Development Committee today recommended for approval legislation to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to launch a pilot Universal Basic Income (UBI) program in Milwaukee, and to establish a city-operated Office of Veterans’ Affairs. Both files were authored by Alderwoman 210487) will now go to the full Common Council on Tuesday, July 27. File # 210487 establishes the creation of a pilot UBI program, and appropriating $400,000 in ARPA funds for this purpose. The file stipulates that the funding is to be used for staffing, start-up costs, and initial program costs associated with the creation of the program. Alderwoman Lewis said United Way of Greater Milwaukee and Waukesha County (United Way) will serve as the fiduciary agent for the UBI program, and the Office of the Common Council – City Clerk would work with the Department of Administration – Purchasing Division to prepare and issue a request for proposals for a UBI Program Coordinator. Once a program coordinator is hired, he or she would work closely with United Way to finalize the UBI program.