Nithya Raman’s Role in Los Angeles: Accomplishments and Challenges
Nithya Raman, 45, has been serving on the Los Angeles City Council since 2020. She won against David Ryu to represent areas including Los Feliz, the Hollywood Hills, and Sherman Oaks. She was reelected in 2024. Born in India, Raman moved to the U.S. when she was six. She graduated from Harvard and earned a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After moving to Los Angeles, she founded a homelessness outreach nonprofit.
During her time on the City Council, Raman has passed significant legislation on tenant rights and rent stabilization. She also chaired the council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee starting in 2023, although she lost that position during a council shakeup this summer. Her last-minute entry into the mayoral race didn’t sit well with some of her council colleagues, most of whom have endorsed Bass.
The Times Interview
Biggest Accomplishments
Raman described her leadership in securing tenant protections as her major achievement, especially coming out of COVID-19. She highlighted Universal Just Cause eviction protections, increased relocation support, and measures to prevent eviction for rent owed. A database was also mandated for landlords to report evictions, allowing council offices to proactively help tenants facing eviction.
Failures and Mistakes
Raman criticized Bass for poor management, especially in handling the Palisades fire, which she felt eroded public faith in leadership. Regarding her own mistakes, Raman admitted mishand ling efforts at ULA reform, discussing the mansion tax with few members and failing to build broader support, which created confusion.
Support for Bass and Police Funding
Raman had initially endorsed Bass, focusing on partnership to address district needs. Her views on police funding evolved, and she now supports maintaining current police staffing levels to ensure prompt responses to 911 calls. She acknowledged the LAPD as the primary responder in many emergency situations and emphasized maintaining public trust through effective municipal response.
Homelessness and Encampments
Raman addressed the issue of homelessness, noting some encampments repopulate in areas like Hollywood. She suggested that encampments move slightly due to cleanups and emphasized continuous outreach by her team to assist individuals in moving indoors. Raman highlighted efforts in San Francisco to address substance use and homelessness through coordinated outreach, which she suggests as a possible model for Los Angeles.
Partnerships and Working with Organizations
Raman regarded the Democratic Socialists for America as a partner in achieving tenant protections and charter reforms. She stated she collaborates with many organizations in Los Angeles, seeing that as a key part of being a good elected representative. Raman remains responsive to constituents, whether it pleases them or not, as part of her role.
Future Goals and Vision
Raman has a deep appreciation for past Los Angeles leaders and aspires to emulate their positive traits. She named figures like Tom Bradley and Antonio Villaraigosa as influences. Raman made it clear that Los Angeles is her focus, and she wishes to bring about improvements due to her love for the city.