This article explores several key tools German cities use to undertake large development projects that each feature thousands of new housing units. Evidence from Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich shows how these cities leverage federal rules that freeze land costs, build on publicly owned land, and undertake neighborhood-scale master planning integrated with transportation investments to make way for projects. These strategies enable cities to ensure a mix of development uses—including schools, transportation, and housing—through a unified urban design. This form of publicly led development has helped each of these cities respond to their respective housing needs.