benefits of mixed-income |
practitioners that including a mix of incomes within a development can be helpful in creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable living environment for families. Unfortunately, very little research has been done to assess these claims. More research is necessary to determine the extent to which, and under what circumstances, mixed-income housing achieves its social goals. [1] Practitioners recommend a mixed-income housing approach for the following reasons, among others:*
| What makes a mixed-income development successful? A mixed-income development's ability to attract and keep residents depends on a number of factors, not all of which can be controlled (i.e. market conditions). Some common elements of success that designers of mixed-income housing should keep in mind include: A convenient location with access to public transportation, job centers, and high quality schools. Design that does not distinguish market-rate units from affordable units by either appearance or amenities, and that disperses units at all affordability levels throughout the development. A continuum of income levels rather than a strict division between "market-rate" and "low-income" tenants. A well-designed community that is attractive and fits seamlessly into the surrounding neighborhood. Many mixed-income developments include innovative "new urbanist" design features such as a pedestrian-friendly layout, ample outdoor space, and "green" buildings. This section draws heavily from Increasing Access to Low-Poverty Areas by Creating Mixed-Income Housing. 2007. By Diane L. Houk, Erica Blake, and Fred Freiberg. New York, NY: Fair Housing Justice Center. Please see this resource for further information. |
You are currently reading: What are the benefits of mixed-income communities? Other pages in this section: How do cross-subsidies support mixed-income communities? Under certain market conditions, the profits associated with market-rate units can be great enough to subsidize development of affordable homes. How can jurisdictions facilitate the use of cross-subsidies to create mixed-income communities? By combining cross-subsidies with other incentives, communities have successfully used cross-subsidies in a wide array of markets. Click here to view other resources on cross-subsidies. |