Nithya Raman, a central figure in Los Angeles’ strategy to tackle homelessness, faces scrutiny over her record amid her bid for mayor. Her removal as head of the City Council committee on homelessness and housing has been controversial, especially in the context of her mayoral campaign. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who leads the city’s efforts to address homelessness, has been at odds with Raman regarding their approaches to the crisis.
Committee Reorganization and Leadership Dispute
Since 2023, Raman had been influential as chair of the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee. However, Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson, an ally of Bass, restructured the committee in September, removing Raman as chair. Harris-Dawson criticized Raman for lacking urgency in addressing homelessness, claiming that the committee was lagging on over 100 issues.
Raman attributes her ouster to political motives, asserting it was retribution for challenging Bass. Policy differences exacerbate the dispute, with Raman criticizing Bass’ Inside Safe program as financially burdensome and unsustainable.
“The committee is behind in excess of more than 100 issues,” said Harris-Dawson.
Divergent Approaches to Homelessness
Raman opposes the Inside Safe initiative, which dismantles encampments and relocates individuals to motels and hotels at an annual cost of $82,000 per person, according to city reports. Though Raman has previously supported funding, she recently voiced her concerns. The city’s unsheltered population increased by 7.9% after two years of decline, leading Raman to critique Bass’ approach.
Rental Vouchers as Alternative Solution
Raman advocates using rental vouchers to house homeless individuals in private homes, estimating costs at $30,000 per year. Her mayoral platform suggests expanding these investments, claiming better outcomes. Despite support, the $60-million voucher program faced delays, with critics pointing to inefficiency. As of July, a consultant aimed to move 600 households into leases, with merely three households having done so.
Program Challenges and Progress
The voucher program’s sluggish start was partly due to contracting delays. Nonetheless, by mid-August, 54 households were relocated, and city officials claim daily progress. While Raman views subsidies as a space-saving measure effective in past endeavors, Bass’ campaign emphasizes that subsidies alone cannot resolve the homelessness crisis.
Raman expressed confidence in improving program outcomes and maintains that data monitoring will inform necessary adjustments.
“This is a cost-effective program that has very good outcomes in the past,” Raman noted.
Bureau of Homelessness Oversight
As committee chair, Raman initiated oversight of city spending on homelessness. She also guided forming a Bureau of Homelessness Oversight to enhance tracking and investment efficacy. Critics, however, argue that Raman failed to meet the city’s needs amid Trump administration and county funding cuts.
Raman proposes a department eventually to consolidate homelessness response. The current bureau represents a compromise, aimed at expedience rather than complete departmental setup.
Critical Viewpoints and Political Friction
Raman’s mayoral ambitions have not secured endorsements from fellow council members. Criticisms include frequent meeting cancellations and a backlog of propositions. Councilmember Imelda Padilla expressed disappointment over Raman’s approach.
The council has agreed to review its relationship with LAHSA and the prospect of a new department. Councilmember John Lee voiced the overdue nature of these discussions.
Raman remains on the newly established homelessness committee, with Councilmember Ysabel Jurado as chair. Her final committee meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, yet she was absent.