This business plan outlines a strategy to implement a universal income program of $500–$700 a month, funded by the repurposing of TikTok’s economic engine. The objective is to foster economic stability while creating jobs in low-income housing communities. This initiative aims to enhance economic equity and community well-being by reallocating digital revenues to universal income and community development. The goal is to create a society where every individual has baseline financial security and where low-income communities thrive through grassroots involvement.
TikTok generates billions in advertising revenue and user data monetization. The platform has faced scrutiny for data privacy and influence concerns. The plan is to enforce government acquisition or taxation of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Then, levy a high-tier “social impact tax” on TikTok’s ad revenue, amounting to 50%–75%, and redirect proceeds into a Universal Income Fund (UIF). TikTok made $10.1 billion in U.S. advertising revenue last year, according to Morningstar. After taxes and costs, $4–$5 billion could be funneled into UIF. The program would then allocate $500–$700 per eligible adult monthly. The program would target individuals and households in the bottom 40% of earners.
The program would stimulate local economies through increased spending power and provide a safety net for those in precarious jobs or unemployment. The funds would be managed by federal agencies. The program could leverage digital payment platforms like Cash App and Venmo for distribution.
Another goal is to establish “resident assistant” roles to enhance property management, community engagement, and support services in low-income housing. They would serve as a liaison between residents and property managers, facilitate community programs (e.g., educational workshops and training), and offer conflict mediation and support for vulnerable residents.
One billion should be allocated annually from UIF for wages, training, and program costs. Resident assistants should be paid between $18 to $22 an hour. These positions could strengthen community ties, reduce turnover in housing complexes, and provide dignified employment opportunities to local residents.
To implement the plan, legislation is needed to acquire or tax TikTok’s U.S. operations. Then comes piloting universal income in five states along with launching the resident assistant program in selected housing communities. Over the next four years, the program would be scaled nationwide and resident assistant roles would be expanded to 50% of federally subsidized housing.
The key benefits of the UIF and resident assistant programs are financial stability for low-income earners, job opportunities, and local empowerment. For communities, it provides improved living conditions in housing complexes, a strengthened social fabric, and lower crime rates. For the economy, it stimulates consumer spending and provides a funding model from digital revenues.
Potential challenges could be public backlash and concerns over government intervention in private companies. Transparency and communication are essential to mitigate discontent. The program needs strict oversight to ensure fair allocation. UIF funding sources can be diversified by extending taxes to other platforms.
This plan offers a transformative approach to leveraging modern digital revenues for societal benefit. By redirecting resources from platforms like TikTok, the initiative delivers universal income and supports grassroots empowerment through resident assistant roles. This dual-pronged strategy ensures economic security while fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
