Nithya Raman Advocates for More Public Toilets Amidst City's Restroom Woes

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman is advocating for an increase in public restrooms across the city, a move that comes despite a significant and delayed restroom project in her own district. Raman, a current councilwoman, introduced a motion Wednesday calling for the expansion of public toilets, handwashing stations, and drinking-water facilities. The proposal does not specify the number of new facilities, their locations, or the associated costs, instead requesting city officials to present recommendations for expanding restroom access and identifying funding within 60 days.

This initiative follows a $961,125 restroom project at Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking destination. The two-stall facility, intended to take approximately 15 weeks to construct, remained inaccessible for over seven months beyond its scheduled completion. Construction began in January and the bathroom was not confirmed open until August 22.

The budget for the Runyon Canyon project encompassed the prefabricated structure, site preparation, utility connections, and accessibility improvements, funded by park fees and deferred maintenance funds. Raman's office had previously defended the project as a necessary enhancement for the park.

Los Angeles has faced ongoing challenges with its public restrooms. A facility near Pershing Square is slated for closure due to issues with drug activity and crime. Previously, the City Council allocated $420,000 to staff three downtown restrooms with attendants to improve safety and cleanliness. In 2017, the LAPD recommended overnight closures for five bathrooms in Skid Row due to crime concerns.

The city's history with public restrooms also includes a 2001 agreement with a private contractor, Outfront/JCDecaux, which aimed to install up to 150 automated public toilets with no direct operating cost to the city. However, only 14 were ultimately installed. When the contract expired, the city assumed responsibility for maintenance, and currently, only four replacement toilets are operational, attributed to funding shortages.

The lack of adequate public restrooms has contributed to a sanitation crisis, with city crews collecting over 70 tons of human waste from public streets in 2025, according to figures cited in Raman's motion. Raman stated that homeless residents, outdoor workers, tourists, and pedestrians often lack access to basic sanitation facilities and drinking water.

Raman's current proposal suggests exploring new facilities on government-owned property, near Metro stations, and along public streets. It also references a Hollywood Partnership initiative to install 40 public bathroom stalls in a city parking garage as a potential model for public-private partnerships. The motion calls for permanent funding for existing Skid Row bathrooms, increased access to drinking water, and a dedicated city department to oversee public restrooms.

The motion does not authorize immediate construction or allocate funds. Instead, it tasks city officials with identifying potential locations, funding sources, and long-term maintenance plans within a 60-day timeframe.