L.A. Mayoral Challenger Slams Karen Bass' Housing Record: 'We've Made It Too Difficult To Build'

September 18, 2026 - 19:13

Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman is taking direct aim at Mayor Karen Bass over the city's housing record as she campaigns to replace her in the upcoming election. Raman argues that the current administration has not done enough to remove the barriers that slow down or block new construction across the city.

In her criticism, Raman points to a system that she says has become too difficult to navigate for developers and builders who want to create more housing. She contends that despite the urgency of the homelessness and affordability crisis, the city continues to layer on regulations and processes that delay projects and drive up costs. According to Raman, the result is a housing pipeline that cannot keep pace with demand, leaving thousands of residents struggling to find affordable places to live.

Raman has positioned herself as a candidate willing to confront the status quo at City Hall. She argues that the city must streamline approvals, reduce fees, and rethink policies that make it harder to build in neighborhoods that need housing most. Her campaign message centers on the idea that Los Angeles cannot solve its housing crisis without a fundamental shift in how the city approaches development.

The challenge from Raman sets up a contest focused heavily on housing and homelessness, two issues that remain at the forefront for voters across Los Angeles.