Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman
Portrait of Raman, 2022
Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 4th district
Incumbent
Assumed office December 14, 2020
Preceded by	David Ryu
Personal details
Born	(1981-07-28) July 28, 1981 (age 43) Kerala, India
Political party	Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Socialists of America
Spouse	Vali Chandrasekaran
Children	2
Education	Harvard University (BS) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MUP)
Signature
Website	Campaign website

Nithya V. Raman (born July 28, 1981)^[1] is an Indian American urban planner, activist, and politician serving as the Los Angeles City Councilmember for the 4th District since 2020. Raman, a member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated incumbent Councilmember David Ryu in 2020.^[2][3][4]

Early life and education

Nithya Raman was born in Kerala, India, and moved to Louisiana at 6 years old.^[5] She earned a bachelor's degree in political theory from Harvard University then a master's degree in urban planning from MIT.^[6]

Career

After living in the United States for many years, Raman returned to her home country of India and founded the research firm Transparent Chennai. The firm's goal was to improve sanitation in the city of Chennai.^[7] Prior to entering politics, Raman founded and headed a homelessness nonprofit in Los Angeles and was the executive director of Time's Up Entertainment.^[7][8]

Los Angeles City Council

Election

Raman declared her candidacy for the Los Angeles City Council in 2019, citing the issue of homelessness as being central to her decision to run.^[9] Raman's candidacy was largely fueled by grassroots volunteers, whom she claims knocked on more than 70,000 doors before the March primary.^[10] Ground Game LA, which formed following former Green Party-endorsed candidate Jessica Salans' defeat by Mitch O'Farrell in the 13th district in 2017, was credited with helping her campaign win.^[11]

Raman's platform included proposed reforms to Los Angeles' housing and homelessness policy, "a new approach to public safety," and a climate change plan that she claims will get Los Angeles to carbon neutrality by 2030.^[12][13][14] She has signed the Participatory Budget Pledge, an initiative put forward by Black Lives Matter LA which expresses a commitment to "holding a participatory budgeting process each budget cycle I hold elected office."^[15]

In the March 3, 2020 primary, Raman faced incumbent David Ryu and screenwriter Sarah Kate Levy.^[16] Ryu received 32,298 votes (44.4%), Raman received 31,502 votes (40.8%), and Sarah Kate Levy received 10,860 votes (14.1%).^[17] Because no candidate received over fifty percent of the vote, Raman and Ryu advanced to the runoff election, scheduled for November 3, 2020.

In the November 2020 runoff election, Raman defeated Ryu by a 52.87% to 47.13% margin.^[18] She will serve a four-year term as member of the City Council. Raman's victory was described as a "political earthquake" by the Los Angeles Times.^[19]

Re-election

In 2024, Raman was challenged by Ethan Weaver, a Deputy City Attorney who received support from local landlords, business groups, and police and firefighter unions, and Levon Baronian. She won the election in the primary in March 2024, skipping a November runoff by winning 50.6% of the vote outright, versus 38.6% for Weaver, her nearest opponent.^[20]

Tenure

Raman (in brown coat) with other City Council members during a parade in 2023.

In April 2021, Raman proposed amendments to a draft ordinance on tenant harassment. The amendments classified cash buyout offers and threats to report false information to law enforcement as forms of harassment, and included a rent adjustment penalty, which would prevent landlords who violate the ordinance from raising a unit's rent.^[21] The ordinance was passed in June 2021.^[22]

In June 2021, Raman was served with a recall notice after only six months in office.^[23] The Los Angeles Times referred to the notice as part of a "recall fever" striking California, as at least 68 other active recalls were then ongoing in the state, including the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom.^[24] In September 2021 the recall campaign collapsed when proponents announced that they were unable to collect the required number of signatures within the allotted time.^[25]

On February 1, 2022, Raman was appointed to the board of the South Coast Air Quality Management District by Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti. She replaced councilmember Joe Buscaino. She pledged to prioritize public health and environmental justice from that position.^[26]

In 2021 and 2022, Raman was one of three councilmembers to vote against L.A.M.C. Section 41.18, a city ordinance that banned homeless encampments within 500 feet of schools and daycare centers.^[27] 41.18 was adopted by the City Council by a vote of 11-3, over the objections of activists who protested the measure in the Council chamber.^[28] In remarks in a City Council meeting, Raman argued that the measure "creates a district by district arms-race, where people will get pushed around from district to district instead of having a citywide strategy that prioritizes intervention in encampments by need, by safety, by fire risk, by all of the things that we are claiming to be so concerned about. In the end, this will just push people around again. It's not going to solve homelessness or get anybody into housing."^[29]

A leaked recording between Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Kevin de León and Gil Cedillo, as well as Los Angeles County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera revealed the group's plan to use redistricting to oust Raman. Speaking of Raman, Cedillo stated that "There's certain people who don't merit us rescuing them...She's not our ally, she's not going to help us" and de León proposed to put her district "in a blender, chop it up left or right."^[30] The group planned to split the Koreatown neighborhood, a voting block for Raman, so that minority voters in her renters' district would be divided and she would face a tougher reelection.^[31][32] After the conversation was leaked, Raman introduced a measure to ask voters to change the city charter so that redistricting would be handled by an independent commission.^[33][34]

In June 2023, during a protest led by UNITE HERE Local 11, the Los Angeles Police Department arrested Raman after she refused to disperse.^[35]

On February 3, 2024, Raman was censured by the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America for seeking and accepting an endorsement by the Los Angeles chapter of the Zionist lobby group Democrats for Israel. However, she maintained her endorsement by the DSA Los Angeles chapter.^[36]

Political positions

Homelessness and housing issues

Raman identified herself as a "homelessness nonprofit leader" when she first ran for office in 2020. In 2024 Karen Bass, the Mayor of Los Angeles, endorsed Nithya Raman's campaign for reelection, and her work on homeless issues.

Raman has made her work on homelessness a cornerstone of her reelection campaign, drawing praise from advocates, nonprofit groups and many of her colleagues.^[37]

In Raman's view the situation of the homeless is directly linked to the housing shortage.^[38] Specifically responding to citizen complaints about the homeless encampments in the Cahuenga area of Hollywood, she acknowledged the difficulty of finding a room indoors acceptable to the homeless, later stating, "We do not have the shelter resources we need for our homeless population."^[39]

City officials here have limited discretion. Since the Martin v. Boise (2018) decision by the Ninth Circuit, the involuntary clearing homeless encampments by municipalities in its jurisdiction may be considered "cruel and unusual punishment" and thus unconstitutional.^[40]

"Bass and Raman have embraced a similar strategy: Send outreach workers and other specialists... to make offers of motel rooms, hotel rooms and other types of temporary housing... ." The homeless may then either voluntarily accept or reject such offers. Raman claims success in clearing encampments in Los Feliz, Studio City, Sherman Oaks, among a dozen other spots in her district.^[41]

In 2024, amid a housing shortage in L.A., Raman proposed to permit mid-sized apartment buildings near public transit stations in some neighborhoods zoned exclusively for single-family houses.^[42] The proposal was rejected by a 10-5 margin in the City Council, as NIMBY councillors sought to block the change.^[42]

Armenia and Artsakh

In response to the September 2022 Armenia–Azerbaijan clashes, Raman stated "I stand with the Armenian community in Los Angeles, and with Armenians worldwide, in strongly condemning Azerbaijan's unprovoked military attacks against civilians. I have the privilege to represent a vast, vibrant Armenian community in the Fourth District, so many of whom have welcomed me as their representative with open arms — and I deeply share in their sadness and anger. This senseless violence must end, and I join in loudly calling for Congress to halt all military aid to Azerbaijan."^[43]

Raman has condemned Azerbaijan's 2022-2023 blockade of the Republic of Artsakh, stating that "This is not an isolated incident and is a reflection of Azerbaijan's systematic policies that are forcing indigenous Armenians out of their ancestral homeland. Azerbaijan will continue to engage in acts of war against Artsakh and Armenia until the international community holds it responsible for its actions against the only thriving democracy in the region. We have the responsibility to ensure the safety of these peaceful nations from their hostile neighbors. I urge the Biden Administration to use all available diplomatic tools, including withholding financial support, to end the blockade."^[44]

Personal life

Raman was born in India and emigrated to the United States with her family at the age of six.^[45]

Raman resides in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. She is married to television screenwriter Vali Chandrasekaran, a fellow Harvard alumnus. The two have twins: Karna and Kaveri.^[46]

Electoral history

Los Angeles City Council District 4, 2020

Primary election
Candidate		Votes	%
David Ryu (incumbent)		32,298	44.4
Nithya Raman		31,502	40.8
Sarah Kate Levy		10,860	14.1
Total votes		72,219	100.00
General election
Nithya Raman		70,317	52.87
David Ryu (incumbent)		62,682	47.13
Total votes		132,999	100.00

See also

• List of Democratic Socialists of America who have held office in the United States

References

1. Lerno, Tina (March 30, 2021). "The Women of the Los Angeles City Council: Part Five". Los Angeles Public Library. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
2. ""The System That We Have to Respond to Homelessness Is Not One That Was Designed to Help People."". jacobinmag.com. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
3. "He ran as a City Hall reformer. His rivals say he's fallen short on homelessness". Los Angeles Times. January 27, 2020.
4. Stein, Jeff (August 5, 2017). "9 questions about the Democratic Socialists of America you were too embarrassed to ask". Vox. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
5. "'അഭിമാനം ഈ പെൺകൊടികൾ'; ഒരാഴ്ചയ്ക്കിടെ ലോകമാധ്യമങ്ങളുടെ തലക്കെട്ടിൽ നിറഞ്ഞ മൂന്ന് മലയാളി വനിതകൾ". News18 (in Malayalam). November 12, 2020.
6. Specter, Emma (October 29, 2020). "Meet Nithya Raman, the L.A. City Council Candidate Who Is Trying to Solve the City's Homelessness Crisis". Vogue. Retrieved January 5, 2022.
7. Pinheiro, Erin Hickey (30 January 2020). "Who's Running Against Ryu? Nithya Raman". Los Feliz Ledger. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
8. Hipes, Patrick (August 16, 2019). "Time's Up Entertainment Executive Director Nithya Raman Exits Post".
9. "I'm running for LA City Council in District 4. Here's why". Twitter. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
10. "Incumbent David Ryu could face November runoff in race for LA City Council's District 4 seat". Los Angeles Daily News. March 3, 2020.
11. Denkmann, Libby (11 November 2020). "How Nithya Raman And Other Progressive Campaigns Beat The LA Establishment — And What's Next". LAist. Retrieved 2021-03-27.
12. "Housing and Homelessness Platform". Nithya for the City. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
13. "A New Approach to Public Safety in LA". Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
14. Raman, Nithya. "What Future Are We Building in LA?". Nithya For the City. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
15. "Participatory Budget Pledge". 6 October 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
16. "Los Feliz Ledger - "Who's Running Against David Ryu? Profile on Challenger Sarah Kate Levy"". Archived from the original on 2023-10-03. Retrieved 2020-10-29.
17. "Official LA County vote tally" (PDF). Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
18. "Election Results".
19. "Nithya Raman inspires progressives as she holds significant lead in L.A. council race". Los Angeles Times. 2020-11-05. Retrieved 2021-03-29.
20. Zahniser, David (12 March 2024). "L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman wins reelection as Ethan Weaver concedes". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
21. Draughorne, Kenan. "Tenant Anti-Harassment Ordinance Amended Before Council Meeting". MSN News.
22. "LA City Council adopts ordinance aimed to stop landlords from harassing tenants". Fox 11 Los Angeles. City News Service. June 23, 2021. Retrieved 6 July 2021.
23. "Raman recall moving forward". The Eastsider. June 11, 2021.
24. Wick, Julia (June 11, 2021). "Recall fever strikes California as angry voters take on politicians in large numbers". Los Angeles Times.
25. Zahniser, David (17 September 2021). "Recall bid targeting L.A. City Councilwoman Nithya Raman collapses". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
26. Linton, Joe (2022-02-01). "Councilmember Nithya Raman Appointed to So Cal Air Quality Board". Streetsblog Los Angeles. Retrieved 2022-02-04.
27. https://clkrep.lacity.org/onlinedocs/2020/20-1376-S1_caf_8-2-22.pdf ^{[bare URL PDF]}
28. "L.A. cracks down on homeless encampments near schools, over protesters' jeers". Los Angeles Times. 2022-08-02. Retrieved 2022-08-06.
29. "COUNCILMEMBER NITHYA RAMAN REMARKS FROM TODAY'S LA CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON REVISED CITY ORDINANCE 41.18". LA City Council District 4. Archived from the original on 19 August 2022. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
30. "'This commission has f—ing gone rogue'". Los Angeles Times. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
31. "Councilmembers planned to divide Koreatown, according to leaked discussion". KCBS-TV. October 10, 2022. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
32. Walker, Alissa (October 13, 2022). "Why Is the Los Angeles City Council So Afraid of Renters?". Curbed. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
33. Cowan, Jill; Hubler, Shawn (October 12, 2022). "Los Angeles City Councilwoman Resigns Amid Uproar Over Racist Remarks". New York Times. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
34. Chiotakis, Steve (October 12, 2022). "Nithya Raman wants to stop self-interested political manipulation". KCRW. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
35. Wick, Julia; Childs, Jeremy; Martinez, Christian (June 22, 2023). "L.A. City Council members, California assemblywoman arrested as hotel workers protest". Los Angeles Times.
36. Keene, Louis (2024-02-01). "Only in LA: DSA councilmember who called for ceasefire wins pro-Israel backing, riling left-wing supporters". The Forward. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
37. David Zahniser, "Homeless encampments fuel frustration with Bass, Raman", front page headline in Los Angeles Times, Sunday, February 25, 2024, identity & quote at page A10. Accessed 2024.02.27.
38. Raman opposed the 2021 amendment of Section "41.18" of the Municipal Code (see above, "Tenure"), apparently based on a systemic view of the housing and homeless situation.
39. Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, Feb. 25, 2024, p.A10 quote.
40. Rachel M. Cohen, "Cities are asking the Supreme Court for more power to clear homeless encampments", Vox, Oct. 10, 2023. Accessed 2024.02.27.
41. Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, Feb. 25, 2024, p.A10 quote.
42. LAist (2024-12-11). "Facing need for more housing, L.A.'s City Council votes to keep new apartments away from homeowners". Boyle Heights Beat.
43. "'I stand with Armenian community': Los Angeles City Council member condemns Azerbaijan's unprovoked attacks". Armenpress. 15 September 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
44. "Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman Condemns Azerbaijan's Blockade of Artsakh". Oragark. 28 December 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2023.
45. Rohit, Parimal M. "Nithya Raman Campaigns for LA City Council, Hoping to Eradicate Homelessness, Broaden Political Umbrella". India West. Archived from the original on 2021-11-15. Retrieved 2020-09-07.
46. Raghunathan, Nimmi (December 11, 2020). "Nithya Raman: An Indian American Progressive Makes History in Los Angeles". India West. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2021.

Political offices
Preceded by David Ryu	Member of the Los Angeles City Council from the 4th district 2020–present	Incumbent