Evanston expands guaranteed income as reparations programme faces federal lawsuit
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 7
Evanston expands guaranteed income as reparations programme faces federal lawsuit
11 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 7
The Illinois city will give $500 a month to 102 households for six months, while a judge lets a class action over its $25,000 payments to Black residents proceed.
Officials widened eligibility citywide to adults 55 and older and households earning up to 185% of the federal poverty level, using remaining American Rescue Plan funds before federal deadlines.
Evanston says at least 193 people have received reparations so far under its 10-year, $10m plan, while critics backed by Judicial Watch argue the race-based criteria breach the 14th Amendment.
With courts challenging race-conscious policies, can Evanston's pioneering reparations program survive its legal battle?
As dozens of cities pilot guaranteed income, what does the evidence show about its real effect on employment?
Evanston’s $10M Reparations and $3M Guaranteed Income Programs: Legal Battles, Funding Challenges, and Community Impact in 2026
Overview
In May 2026, Evanston launched the final round of its Guaranteed Income Program, providing $500 monthly to 102 low-income households, including seniors and families with young children, funded by expiring federal ARPA dollars. Previous rounds showed recipients mainly spent funds on essentials, supporting family stability and employment. Meanwhile, Evanston's $25,000 reparations program for Black residents faces a federal lawsuit challenging its race-based eligibility, with a court allowing the case to proceed. Despite funding challenges from unstable cannabis taxes and legal uncertainty, the city continues payments and explores new revenue. Evanston’s experience offers important lessons on implementing and sustaining race-conscious economic justice initiatives.