Raman prepares to lead Los Angeles as housing promises meet budget decisions

Los Angeles Mayor-elect Nithya Raman is preparing to take office after defeating Karen Bass in Tuesday’s election. Bass conceded Thursday and committed to a smooth transition. Raman, a City Council member first elected in 2020, campaigned on housing affordability, homelessness and improvements to everyday city services. [1]

A Saturday report by the Associated Press described the challenge of turning those promises into policy while managing a strained budget and political divisions at City Hall. Raman will also lead the city as it prepares to host the 2028 Olympics. [2]

The housing challenge she inherits

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority’s 2026 count estimated that 29,115 people were experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the city, a 7.9% increase from the previous year. Countywide, the agency said a shortage of rental assistance had slowed movement from temporary shelter into permanent housing, leaving fewer shelter spaces available. [3]

Raman’s council record includes an August motion seeking a city plan to reduce homelessness among people ages 18 to 24. It asked the City Administrative Office and the Housing Department’s homelessness oversight bureau to report on a strategy. That proposal illustrates the staff work and funding decisions involved in putting a housing policy into practice. [4]

The City Council has a role in spending

Los Angeles adopted a $14.85 billion budget for the 2026–27 fiscal year. Bass’s office said it included funding for interim housing, police hiring and basic services. Raman’s incoming administration will have to decide which programs to continue, change or expand when it prepares its own spending proposal. [5]

The mayor proposes the budget, and the City Council reviews, amends and votes on it. Department requests, public hearings and that final vote will determine how the new administration’s priorities translate into city spending. [6]