Shelters "Sold Out," Homelessness in LA Increasing Under McNegro Mayor's Watch. Black People are 33% of All Homeless, Despite Being Only 8% of Liberal City

Mayor Karen Bass and her challenger in the Nov. 3 election, Councilmember Nithya Raman, traded jabs Friday as they criticized one another over the increase in homelessness in Los Angeles.

Homelessness increased by 3.4% in the city to an estimated 45,194 people, and unsheltered homelessness also rose by nearly 8%, according to figures from the 2026 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count. The data showed the first increase in the unhoused population following two consecutive years of decreases.

Raman, who represents the Fourth Council District, held a news conference in Studio City to discuss the results of the count released Friday afternoon. [MORE]