Bass and Raman clash over how to lead LA

Mayor Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman clashed over core policy issues, centering their debate on homelessness initiatives, housing protections, and public safety strategies. Bass defended her Inside Safe program and affordable housing directives, pointing to broad reductions in unsheltered numbers, while advocating for direct city control over resources to improve operational transparency. Raman countered with her district’s 50% drop in homelessness, calling for better fiscal tracking while questioning the overall cost-effectiveness of current citywide programs.