Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Requesting info about income-sensitive fee payment structures for developing community

[Sharon Villines (sharon]

Personally I think income-sensitive fee payment structures are very 
difficult to administer. There are just too many variables that come 
into play. Particularly in small groups it means everyone sinks to the 
lowest common denominator as those with more income use it to support 
the group or leave. I think grants or temporary subsidies can be used 
effectively but a whole economy set up on some paying more and others 
paying less is very difficult to maintain without a very high level of 
interaction to build trust and understanding, or a huge government 
bureaucracy. Most people cannot maintain that level of interaction over 
long periods -- and those who want income leveling don't want 
bureaucracies!

Another approach is to learn more about money and money management. 
I've learned more since I joined cohousing about how to finance real 
estate and how developers waste money than I ever thought possible. So 
much money is simply wasted through poor management. Hiring the wrong 
people, not supervising them, not checking their charges, not following 
up on repairs, installing complex fixtures you can't maintain, hiring 
the lowest bidder, etc.

The most affordable housing comes from thinking it through and building 
a secure financial base. Put more time into investigating and 
consulting and supervising the dollars spent. And ask for help. There 
is so much information out there. It isn't easy but it's effective and 
builds a secure future.

Sharon
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Sharon Villines
Takoma Village Cohousing, Washington DC
http://www.takomavillage.org