Interview with Nithya Raman: Her Journey and Challenges

Nithya Raman, age 45, has been serving on the Los Angeles City Council since her election in 2020. She defeated incumbent David Ryu to represent a district covering areas like Los Feliz, the Hollywood Hills, and Sherman Oaks. Reelected in 2024, Raman, originally from India, moved to the U.S. at the age of 6. She holds a degree from Harvard and a master’s from MIT. After relocating to Los Angeles, she founded a nonprofit focused on homelessness outreach. Her tenure on the City Council saw significant progress in tenants’ rights and rent stabilization. She chaired the council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee beginning in 2023 but lost that position during a recent council reorganization. Raman’s unexpected entry into the mayoral race led to friction with fellow council members, most of whom support Mayor Karen Bass.

Achievements and Challenges

Raman considers her efforts on tenant protections as her greatest achievement. She led initiatives such as Universal Just Cause eviction protections and enhanced relocation assistance. Landlords are now required to report evictions to the city, allowing for proactive outreach to those facing potential eviction.

Criticism of Karen Bass

When asked about Mayor Bass’s shortcomings, Raman pointed to administrative mismanagement and slow responses to crises. She highlighted the response to the Palisades fire as a significant failure in leadership.

Personal Mistakes

Raman acknowledged a misstep in her approach to reforming Measure ULA, the mansion tax. She engaged with a small group of leaders without broader coalition support, leading to confusion and conflict.

Relationship with the Mayor

Raman initially endorsed Bass due to the necessity of collaboration to address district needs. She stressed the importance of partnering with the mayor, especially given budget constraints affecting city resources.

Views on Policing

Raman’s stance on policing has evolved. While once advocating for defunding, she now supports maintaining police staffing to ensure prompt responses to 911 calls. The city lacks alternative emergency response systems.

Addressing Homelessness

Homeless encampments in Raman’s district have been a concern, but she believes existing encampments are substantially reduced. Hollywood remains a hotspot where displaced individuals may shift location frequently.

Approach to Substance Abuse

For handling public substance use, Raman suggests a model similar to San Francisco’s, where outreach workers and police collaborate to offer services rather than punitive measures.

Co-Governing Experience

Raman embraces collaboration with various groups, including the Democratic Socialists for America, which has supported tenant protection efforts. She values partnership in shaping city policy.

Inspiration from Past Leaders

Raman draws lessons from several former Los Angeles officials, admiring their contributions to city governance and community engagement.

Commitment to Los Angeles

Raman emphasizes her dedication to Los Angeles, stating this is the only political position she seeks. Her focus is solely on improving the city during challenging times.