In this episode, Jack speaks with Gigi Danziger, an impact investor and founder of initiatives in Hudson, New York that champion community-led innovation. Gigi shares the story of how the HudsonUP initiative began — the first small-city Universal Basic Income (UBI) pilot in the U.S. — and reflects on the evidence and lessons learned so far.

We dive into:

• Why Hudson became the testing ground for UBI and how the idea emerged.
• The design of the pilot: 128 participants receiving $500/month for five years.
• Key findings: improved mental and physical health, increased employment, and a rise in entrepreneurship.
• Insights on building trust in communities where outside promises have often gone unfulfilled.
• Broader community initiatives beyond UBI — from medical debt relief, to affordable housing with steward ownership.
• Gigi’s philosophy on  community, and purpose as foundations for thriving.
• Advice for others looking to replicate hyper-local, community-driven solutions in their own contexts.

🌐 Learn more: 

• The Spark of Hudson
• HudsonUP (UBI)
• Wally Farms

Resources & Links

• 📑 HudsonUP Study Findings (Year 4) — Jain Family Institute
• 🐦 HudsonUP on X
• 📸 The Spark of Hudson on Instagram

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• LinkedIn: SIJ Media
• Instagram: @thesocialimpactjournal
• Twitter: @sijpodcast
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