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. Seven years from now, most families will already have lost their homes. They have a track record of providing quality, rental and cooperative units, a necessity for those too ill or poorly paid to make mortgage payments with interest, down payments, property taxes, and building repairs. The board members of the NDC are elected by, and therefore accountable to, residents.