California‘s incoming Los Angeles Mayor Nithya Raman is already facing backlash over her ambitious promise to slash homeless encampments before the 2028 Summer Olympics. The newly elected mayor has pledged to reduce the number of people sleeping in tents and encampments by at least 50% before the Games begin. However, one local business owner believes the city could be heading toward a temporary cleanup rather than a lasting solution. Some people online are equally skeptical, with several questioning whether California should host the Olympics at all.
According to Fox News, Raman plans to expand affordable housing, shelter availability, and rental assistance. Her proposal also includes sending medical teams into encampments to provide mental health and addiction treatment, with the goal of transitioning people into long-term housing or care within 90 days. However, LAist reports that more than 29,000 people remain unsheltered in Los Angeles, raising questions about whether her timeline is realistic.
John Alle, a Los Angeles business owner and co-founder of the Santa Monica Coalition, isn’t convinced Raman’s promises will bring meaningful change. Speaking with Fox News Digital, Alle warned that the city won’t be able to hide its homelessness crisis from the millions of visitors expected for the Olympics.
“I don’t think we’re going to be able to hide that before the crowds,” Alle said.
The businessman fears homeless individuals could simply be relocated before the Olympics, only to return after the Games conclude. He also questioned the city’s handling of more than $1 billion in homelessness funding and argued that Raman’s approach resembles policies pursued by outgoing Mayor Karen Bass.
“It’s not that much different than Mayor Karen Bass’s plan,” Alle argued.
Despite acknowledging Raman’s proposal to audit organizations receiving taxpayer funding, Alle believes the city isn’t doing enough to address addiction and mental health issues. When asked whether her plan could succeed, he delivered a discouraging assessment.
“I don’t see the solutions that have been put forth that could work being used and so I’m not optimistic,” he said.
California Residents Question Whether Mayor Can Deliver Before Olympics
People on X were just as skeptical, with some questioning whether the city could realistically address homelessness before the Olympics.
“They are just going to need another few billions from your taxes of course,” one user sarcastically commented.
Another questioned California hosting the international event altogether, writing, “If they can’t CLEAN UP THE HOMELESSNESS IN LA & San Francisco WHY is the Olympics being held in California?“
Others directed their frustration toward California’s political leadership. “California does not deserve hosting the Olympics,” one commenter argued, suggesting the Games should be held elsewhere.
Some had already written off Raman’s proposal entirely. “This is dead already. Nothing will happen for the good,” another user predicted.
Raman, who defeated Bass in the November elections, is expected to take office in December. With the 2028 Olympics approaching, she has limited time to prove her ambitious promises can produce lasting improvements. Despite his doubts, Alle insisted that he wants her to succeed, saying, “If Nithya succeeds, we all succeed.”
