The Promise of Mixed Income Housing
Mixed-income housing development and neighborhoods are considered one of the best ways to revitalize disinvested urban areas. Where poverty is concentrated, communities experience higher crime and less access to health services and basic resources. A 2013 study conducted by CityScape explored the hypothesized benefits of mixed-income housing and how it may alleviate economic segregation and increase property values. DCH would like to explore these findings and discuss them in the context of how to develop more sustainably in Dallas.
Mixed-Income Housing Operating in a Vacuum
Economic integration does not necessarily lead to community interaction and cooperation. The study found that while mixed-income housing does put economic groups in the same space, it does not mean the groups interact. In fact, it found that the existence of community events and resources may be detrimental if one income group feels disadvantaged, or less welcome to the resources.
Additionally, Economic improvement of low-income households was not found to be statistically significant through the move to mixed-income housing. The study found that other factors were more predictive in the improvement of income, over housing.
The Mixed-Income Promise over Time
Why do we not see mixed-income effects immediately? Community building takes time, and also requires cooperation and investment in other factors to lead to success. Some of the other findings of the study found that mixed-income is a long-game strategy for building communities that are more equitable and diverse.
Over time, the study showed that relationships can change as residents get to know each other, which speaks to economic segregation lessening. Second, chances for economic improvement were greater where school quality, job supports, and benefits were available. The last three findings underpin how important having mixed-income housing is for residents to have the confidence to increase interactions and explore new economic opportunities.
Silver Linings of the CityScape Study
Three key findings in the study make mixed-income housing immediately effective. The first is that residents reported better housing quality, neighborhood services, and safety. Second, were psychological benefits including less stress related to safety and overall mental health. Third, and arguably most important was the benefit to children including better education, health, and reported behavior.
Mixed-Income Housing is Not Enough, Community Building, and Design are Critical
Mixed-Income housing holds lots of promise in theory, but in practice, there are many other components that must come together to revitalize communities. Low-income households experience more safety and security in mixed-income communities but community support and services must be available to promote economic improvement. Additionally, development layouts, community spaces, and public places must be designed, structured, and programmed so that interactions across socioeconomic groups are encouraged. Lastly, other resources that offer more opportunity and less stress such as access to childcare and affordable food reduce stress and increase resident interaction.
DCH Developing Communities Over Time
When DCH, Dallas City Homes, was founded, 30 years ago, the conversation was different in many ways, with the proliferation of Section 8 housing. In this era, where public policy was geared towards housing safety, the protection of consumers, and the beginning of rental subsidies, the ethos of addressing inequities of economic segregation through development is the same as it is today. DCH is as committed as ever to providing long-term mixed-income housing solutions to the Southern Dallas community and beyond. We pay very close attention to the design, distribution, and quality of community resources that are offered to our tenants and owners, so that the community grows, low-income households advance, and communities integrate and prosper.
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