That's one advantage that urban planners have. These people don't need to be upper-middle class by income. They just need to be trendy culture-wise and suppor

That's one advantage that urban planners have. These people don't need to be upper-middle class by income. They just need to be trendy culture-wise and support the development of safe, fun neighborhoods. I have a friend in Brooklyn who pays $500/month to share a large 1 bedroom apartment with 2 other guys (all in the same room). He works at a bicycle repair shop and participates in a ton of neighborhood activities. He isn't upper middle class, but he is promoting gentrification of the neighborhood. (Unfortunately for him, that gentrification will eventually force him out unless he improves his income or purchases property.)