They can, but I think it is missing the other component. Housing alone in a vacuum is not going to. Its not a case of, build houses and they will come. You also

They can, but I think it is missing the other component. Housing alone in a vacuum is not going to. Its not a case of, build houses and they will come. You also need other things that attract people. Jobs, activities, amenities, restaurants, etc. But yes, if building more dwellings in Detroit along with building other things people want make Detroit more attractive to someone who would have moved to San Francisco instead, it can alleviate housing demand in San Fransisco. Which is what some of these places should be gunning for.