massive rezoning and eminent domain usage over a few decades.
turn that sprawl into compact high rise clusters like any Asian metropolis. then you can put in extensive surface rail and subways. You also now have space for public green space, bike paths, etc.
first thing i would
do.no more strip shopping centers. anchor/big box stores on the first floor. parking garage under the structure instead of parking lot. then 3-8 more floors of smaller shops.
second. eminent domain the ghettos and replace with residential high rises. mixed income buildings with shopping in the lower floors and parking garages underneath. small apartments in the lowest residential floors. getting larger and more expensive as you go up. Condos of all sizes in the floors above the apartments. units are priced so the larger ones subsidize the smaller ones. then you means test potential new tenants. so the actual poorfags get the cheap units.
third. low density office parks and professional suites get replaced by high rises. as always, shops and restaurants on the lower floors, and parking underneath.
plan your new high density areas around certain points. so you can put in rail stations later when the conditions warrant it.you want people to walk and use rail for most of their transit. also look into doing something like the Minneapolis skyway between a lot of buildings.
most importantly. don't give a fuck about voters' bitching about this.
