Here in Kitchener-Waterloo the project approval to build a light rail system included automatic upzoning for a radius around each of the stations and easier app

Here in Kitchener-Waterloo the project approval to build a light rail system included automatic upzoning for a radius around each of the stations and easier approvals for high density development. Tying the rail and zoning together was a deliberate choice to drive density in areas served by transit and prevent as much NIMBY interference as possible. The construction took several years and the trains have just started running, but the city has already transformed. Many dense buildings went up while the rail lines where being built and many more are under construction right now. It will be many years before the true success and failure of the project is known, but the signs look good to me. I'd like to see general loosening of non-safety related zoning restrictions to help keep housing prices in check, but this program was a good compromise since developers were guaranteed an investment of transit and other city services and could take more risk.