Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman has drawn attention for several notable shifts in her policy positions since taking office in 2020, particularly on issues related to homelessness, policing, and housing. Raman, who is currently running for mayor in the November 3 election, has faced both criticism and support for these changes.
Raman initially positioned herself as a progressive, opposing attempts to ban homeless encampments near schools, parks, libraries, and freeway overpasses, voting more than 60 times against such restrictions since 2021. However, since launching her mayoral campaign, she has softened her stance, stating in May that she would not oppose the City Council’s efforts to establish new no-camping zones if elected mayor. Her campaign has explained that legally, the mayor lacks the authority to block council members from creating these zones.
On policing, Raman’s record includes voting against a request by Mayor Karen Bass to hire 170 new Los Angeles Police Department officers, aimed at replacing retiring personnel and preventing a reduction in force. Weeks later, however, Raman publicly acknowledged the need to maintain current police staffing levels. She has also voted for budget increases for the LAPD, including an $82 million raise in 2022, despite having campaigned on defunding the police during her initial run. Raman explained her changing views as responses to new information and evolving city needs, adding that she has sought to balance police funding with the requirement to provide other vital city services.
Housing policy has been another area of notable reversal. Raman advocated for Measure ULA in 2022, a tax on real estate sales over $5.4 million dubbed the “mansion tax,” initially downplaying concerns that the tax could hamper apartment construction. Later, she characterized the tax’s impact as detrimental and called for its overhaul, citing data suggesting it worsened the city’s housing shortage. The proposal to amend Measure ULA sparked controversy, as labor leaders claimed Raman had promised to consult them before moving forward but proceeded without their input. Raman acknowledged this as a misstep, saying she failed to build necessary support beforehand.
Raman’s tendency to revise her positions has drawn criticism from political opponents and some fellow councilmembers. Mayor Karen Bass and her allies have accused her of inconsistency and political opportunism, with Bass stating at a debate that Raman “talks out of both sides of her mouth” on police staffing. Councilmember Traci Park suggested that Raman’s shifts aimed to appeal to more moderate voters, questioning her core principles. Others, including Councilmember Monica Rodriguez and Heather Hutt, expressed distrust stemming from Raman’s endorsement of Bass’s reelection bid earlier this year, followed by launching a campaign against her.
Supporters of Raman argue that her willingness to reconsider positions demonstrates adaptability and a commitment to learning. Former Deputy Mayor Rick Cole described it as a strength, emphasizing that Raman takes responsibility for her decisions. Labor and professional organizations endorsing Raman highlighted the importance of leaders who can evolve with changing facts.
Beyond the major issues of homelessness, policing, and housing, Raman has also shifted policy positions on other city matters. She initially supported a moratorium on new RV parks but later opposed its extension. She voted inconsistently on the consolidation of the Youth Development Department and shifted her position on delaying minimum wage increases for tourism workers after negotiating a deal intended to provide fiscal stability.
Raman’s evolving policy record reflects the complex dynamics of Los Angeles politics and the challenges of balancing progressive ideals with pragmatic governance amid a competitive mayoral race.