When people complain about millennials, just refer them to the work of 27-year-old Stockton, California Mayor Michael Tubbs.

The young politician took the California city by storm when he was elected last year at 26. Tubbs took over after years of recession and a bankruptcy filing that has set the city back. Stockton's 7.3 percent unemployment rate is nearly double the national average. Last month, he introduced a new program to give about $500 per month to some residents who are having problems paying for basic expenses.

The initiative – the Stockton Economic Empowerment Demonstration (SEED) – will be a basic income program that will be the first in the nation to be implemented in a U.S. city. Inspired by iconic civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from a 1967 speech on economics, "Tubbs aims to tackle poverty and increase economic opportunity by investing directly in Stocktonians."

Donors can contribute to SEED by giving what they can and helping their fellow citizens. While donations have been collected since Oct. 16, it has been hard to gain momentum. According to the Crowdrise campaign, the pilot program has only raised $135 of its goal of $50,000.

No I don’t. I️ want to help current Stockton residents that need it afford rising rents, utilities, going back to school, etc. https://t.co/BqC0xc9QLX

— Michael Tubbs (@MichaelDTubbs) November 11, 2017

But Tubbs is steadfast in his vision. He was born and raised in the city he now oversees.

In 2010, his cousin was murdered at a Halloween party, and his focus changed. “I decided it would be cowardly for me to continue to do research and write essays about all of Stockton’s problems and not try to do something about them,” he said.

At 22 years old, Tubbs was elected to Stockton's city council and has gained insight into the inner workings of the city to become the city's first black mayor.

“He’s a strong young man who has dedicated his life to Stockton,” said Cindi Fargo, chief executive officer of the Downtown Stockton Alliance.

According to the SEED site, "the Economic Security Project (ESP) funds research to inform the debate, campaigns to expand access to cash, and cultural initiatives to inspire the public’s imagination. Established in December 2016, they are co-chaired by Natalie Foster, Dorian Warren, and Chris Hughes."

For now, as the program continues to be refined and further developed, the SEED program will rely on donations from those interested in helping.

Stockton, California

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