Other communities do too. The problem is less about who should have what percentage of the money trickling down from a soaring economy and more about the fact that the amount trickling down is too small and too slow. Families, budgeting their incomes, attempt to meet the basic needs of food, shelter, education, and health care before spending on luxuries and recreation. Budgeting at governmental levels would serve us well by following this example. The Betterment Trust has presented a beautiful proposal for the population it plans to serve.
Median income means that half the population earns less than that amount.
These numbers demonstrate that roughly half the population would not be served under the guidelines of the Betterment Trust, and this half is the one placed most at risk by the housing boom. The needs of those served by the Betterment Trust is valid. Prices are so high that even families with substantial salaries are vulnerable. However, those earning less than that amount are even more at risk, and they are at risk now. Linkage money may not be available for 7 years.