@realamy but also, the thing that started this thread was that folks in my region are pro more highway lanes, and anti new housing.
I live in a very nice walkable neighborhood. I often stop at the grocery store while walking home from work. The two bedroom house across the street just sold for a million bucks, and any attempt to build density is met with huge public outcry.
We'd much rather import our laborers and retail staff from elsewhere than let housing get built.