Density is a function of zoning laws. They should just fix the zoning and make sure it has adequate density to support business.

I think citizens can vote with their dollar where they want to live. I hate suburbia, but I’m also not into super central downtown living. I want something in between. I’m ok with a townhouse and no backyard, as long as there’s a park nearby. I’m up for living with neighbours in a dense area, but only if I can get something for it, like shared neighbourhood amenities and small businesses in walking distance.

Montreal is a good example for North America. Not all of it is perfect, but a lot of it is mixed zoning.

You’re talking about the average European small town...

Why do you need high density for mixed use?

I live in Houston which is by no means very dense, and I love the lack of zoning laws.

Houston doesn't have explicit land use zoning, but things like deed covenants that specifically limit land use and are enforced by the city, or extremely onerous parking regulations for high-density land uses, basically result in I Can't Believe It's Not Zoning.