What is meant by "mixed-income housing"?

Mixed-income housing refers to developments that are intentionally designed to include a range of income levels among their residents. This concept aims to create diverse communities by integrating individuals and families from different socioeconomic backgrounds. The rationale behind mixed-income housing is that it can lead to several benefits, including improved social cohesion, increased access to resources and amenities, and a reduction in economic segregation. By mixing income levels, residents can experience a variety of social and economic interactions, which can enhance community engagement and stability.

In contrast, options that focus on exclusive income brackets, such as high-income families or solely lower-income tenants, do not embody the mixed-income principle. Equally, developments funded exclusively by private investments do not guarantee a mix of income levels, as they often cater to specific markets rather than community diversity. Thus, the focus on a variety of income levels encapsulates the essence of mixed-income housing, making it a strategy for promoting inclusive and sustainable community development.