This is such a ridiculous impasse. Why don't the authorities do what most sensible countries do i.e. build multi-storied apartments with decent public transport

This is such a ridiculous impasse. Why don't the authorities do what most sensible countries do i.e. build multi-storied apartments with decent public transportation? Yes I know in the US that equates to the ghetto/projects/low income housing (which is a mindset that needs to change). As far as the bay area goes this is possible since most residents are foreigners or 1st and 2nd generation Americans who are probably more open to the idea of living in a skyscraper.