
San Francisco could become the first major US city to fund reparations, under a plan that would award $5m (£4m) to each eligible black resident.
A city-appointed panel also suggests guaranteed annual incomes of $97,000 for qualifying recipients and homes in San Francisco for $1 a family.
The city's Board of Supervisors has begun considering the recommendations.
Supporters say it would be just compensation to black Americans for the legacy of slavery and racism.
Opponents say the price tag is too high.
The San Francisco board enthusiastically welcomed the proposals at Tuesday's first hearing, according to the Associated Press news agency.
The committee's draft proposal, first released in December, outlines more than 100 suggestions.
It is widely viewed as the most detailed policy effort yet in the US on the controversial issue of reparations.