Nithya Raman Faces Challenges in L.A.’s Homelessness Battle

Nithya Raman has made Los Angeles’ homelessness crisis a focal point of her mayoral campaign. However, her own efforts on this front have been questioned after her removal as chair of the City Council committee tackling the issue. Until recently, Raman was the second-most influential figure in city efforts as chair of the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee. This role changed when council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson divided the committee and removed Raman from the chair position, effective September 1.

Raman suggests her removal was politically motivated in response to her decision to challenge Mayor Karen Bass. Harris-Dawson, a significant ally of Bass, contests this claim. He argues that Raman’s leadership lacked the necessary urgency to handle the extensive homelessness crisis in Los Angeles. According to Harris-Dawson, the committee lagged behind on more than 100 issues.

There are pressing decisions to take regarding homelessness. We needed someone who could act swiftly and build consensus, Harris-Dawson stated.

Aside from the leadership debate, policy disagreements exist between Raman and Bass. Raman criticizes Bass’ signature program, Inside Safe, which relocates people from encampments to motels, hotels, or interim housing. Despite supporting funding for it initially, Raman later criticized it for being expensive and unsustainable. Housing costs for individuals under this program average $82,000 annually, according to city reports. On the other hand, Raman advocates for time-limited subsidies or rental vouchers to house people in private residences at an estimated cost of $30,000 per person.

Raman has expressed the intention to significantly expand investment in the voucher program. However, the more than $60-million initiative faced delays, with only a small number of households benefitting by the initial deadline. A city consultant had aimed for 600 households housed by July 1, but only three had secured accommodation by that date. The number rose to 54 households by mid-August.

Raman defended the voucher program, stating it freed up space in city shelters by utilizing private housing. She acknowledged the slow start but noted improvements and potential for better outcomes. Mayor Bass’ spokesperson, Alex Stack, emphasized that subsidies are only a part of combating homelessness.

It’s not the silver bullet Raman’s selling, Stack said.

Amid criticisms and challenges, Raman continues to advocate for her approaches. She cites a 49% reduction in street homelessness in her district as evidence of her capability. Bass, however, attributes this decrease to the Inside Safe program.

While overseeing the committee, Raman set up monitoring for the city’s homelessness spending and tracked performance metrics. Raman led the creation of a Bureau of Homelessness Oversight, although critics argue it isn’t sufficient. Councilmember Monica Rodriguez accused Raman of slow-walking her proposal to separate the city from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority and pursue direct contracts with service providers.

Despite these initiatives, some colleagues criticize Raman’s leadership. They accuse her of canceling meetings and letting motions accumulate. Raman, however, defends her focus on data-driven oversight and accountability. Moving forward, the council will continue to review its relationship with LAHSA and consider establishing a new department for centralized oversight.