The formula is deceptively simple, and it actually doesn't involve "investing" in more light rail. They'll still do that, of course, because rail is cool, shiny, and incredibly expensive. They love toys.
But they've resolved the issue of traffic congestion by creating an anti-business climate. Fewer jobs means fewer people driving to work. Problem solved!
Some may complain that Portland and Oregon's consistent standing at the top of the nation's unemployment charts is a bad thing, because high unemployment means fewer tax dollars.
Fewer tax dollars means that less money is available to fund essential services. In some parts of the country, that might be an issue. But this is Oregon, and things look different here.
Our politicians just whip out the credit card.
It's free money!