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NYC’s Zohran Mamdani and LA’s Nithya Raman reveal their coldness toward the homeless
An opinion writer criticises New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Los Angeles mayor-elect Nithya Raman over their approaches to homelessness, arguing that leaving encampments in place exposes people to serious risks and reflects indifference. The article says Mamdani was absent from a service for nine homeless New Yorkers who died during the winter, and argues that both cities need stronger action.
The article reports that 18 homeless people froze to death in New York during the 2025–26 winter, while the city’s proposed 2027 homeless-services budget is $4.2 billion. In Los Angeles, it says a housing initiative backed by Raman allocated nearly $63 million but placed three households; the city’s homeless population reached 45,194 this summer, up 3.4% from last year. It also notes that Raman voted against a proposed ban on encampments in some public spaces.
In short
- The article faults both leaders for opposing tougher action on encampments.
- It says 18 homeless people froze to death in New York last winter.
- LA’s homeless population rose 3.4% to 45,194 this summer.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of Mamdani and Raman could argue that homelessness is driven by a shortage of affordable housing and support services, and that clearing encampments without offering suitable alternatives can displace people into greater danger. They may favour housing-led approaches and targeted services over bans, while treating attendance at a memorial as a personal choice rather than a measure of commitment. They could also argue that large budgets and individual initiatives should be judged by whether they provide lasting housing, not by spending or short-term placement figures alone.
The case against
Critics could argue that leaving encampments in place exposes people to foreseeable dangers, including extreme cold, and can leave residents without the sustained support they need to move into safer housing. They may see the winter deaths, limited placements from a costly initiative and rising homelessness as evidence that current measures are not delivering enough, and Raman’s vote against a public-space ban as reluctance to act. On this view, urgent outreach, safer shelter and clearer action to address encampments are responsibilities of city leaders, alongside longer-term housing policy.