Oh I'm definitely not talking about kind of solutions like cramming people into shipping container houses that're very inefficient to convert. Just good old multi story apartments that're not being built partly because of the single family housing zones and etc. Definitely a lengthily topic. I know examples of much much poorer countries doing it, having abundant housing development, so I know it's quite within reach of USA to do it as well w/ policy changes.
Discussion
You’re right policy changes are needed.
I’m a fan of mixed use neighborhoods, use conversion of existing buildings and building infill instead of cities consistently expanding outwards. I also think economically diverse neighborhoods benefit society as a whole. There are cities that have accomplished this better than others.
I cringe at bulldozed acres and planned communities with look alike houses and nary a mature tree in sight. It is possible to build communities without clear cutting and using the same 2-3 house plans.