The Social Impact Journal
The Social Impact Journal is a podcast talking to changemakers who are driving social impact across the world. In the journal, we aim to share stories, lessons and experiences from our guests to inspire our listeners to begin or continue working towards social impact.
The Social Impact Journal
#57 - Community Led Innovation in Hudson New York with Gigi Danziger, Investor and Philanthropist
•
Jack Farren
•
Episode 57
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:
Resources & Links
- 📑 HudsonUP Study Findings (Year 4) — Jain Family Institute
- 🐦 HudsonUP on X
- 📸 The Spark of Hudson on Instagram
Stay Connected
- LinkedIn: SIJ Media
- Instagram: @thesocialimpactjournal
- Twitter: @sijpodcast
- Tiktok: @thesocialimpactjournal
