This term is shorthand for housing for people who aren’t technically low income, but still have trouble affording housing in an expensive market. The Urban Land Institute defines it as housing for people making 60 to 120 percent of area median income and it is typically intended for teachers, police officers, nurses and other middle-income service workers. Since the phrase is used to contrast with “standard” affordable housing, which is generally aimed at people making less than 60 percent of area median income, it can be seen as implying that low-income people aren’t working. Use with caution. Alternatives include housing for middle-income workers and affordable housing for essential workers.
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