Karen Bass seeks nuisance property funding amid reelection runoff

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is seeking to restore $2 million in funding to address vacant and nuisance properties across the city. The funds, which were removed during the budget process, are intended for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety to clean and secure priority sites that pose public safety risks. The mayor has identified more than 100 priority vacant buildings that are blighted or abandoned.

Separately, Mayor Bass is heading to a November runoff election after failing to secure a majority in the June primary. She finished first with 34.3% of the vote, while City Councilmember Nithya Raman secured 29%. The upcoming runoff will focus heavily on Bass’s record regarding housing and the city's cost of living. Bass has defended her administration's efforts by highlighting the fast-tracking of affordable housing units and the conversion of vacant office spaces into residential apartments.