<p>Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) has made homelessness a central focus of her administration and reelection campaign. However, her attendance record at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) governing commission has raised concerns.</p>
<p>Bass appointed herself to the LAHSA commission in late 2023, but an analysis by <em>LAist</em> indicates she has missed 25 of 47 meetings since her appointment, including 13 of 21 meetings since mid-August 2025. Her absenteeism could lead to her removal under LAHSA’s bylaws. Bass’s three-year term on the commission ended on June 30.</p>
<p>LAHSA has faced scrutiny regarding its management of homelessness, finances, and future direction, while Bass seeks reelection amid ongoing evaluations of her administration's response to the homelessness crisis.</p>
<p>The mayor's office stated that Bass remains informed about LAHSA's activities despite her absence. Supporters claim she has been more engaged in addressing homelessness than previous mayors, citing her Inside Safe program, which transitions unhoused individuals into temporary accommodations, and efforts to relocate people from encampments into housing.</p>
<p>LAHSA Commissioner Justin Szlasa emphasized the importance of attendance for effective participation in the agency's decision-making process.</p>
<p>Political strategist Nick Smith characterized the criticism as an attempt by Bass's opponent, City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, to find a weakness against the incumbent. He argued that Bass's effectiveness on homelessness should be evaluated based on outcomes rather than meeting attendance.</p>
<p>Under Bass's leadership, Los Angeles experienced a decline in homelessness for two consecutive years, with street homelessness decreasing by 17.5% from before her tenure through the 2025 count. However, the latest LAHSA count indicated an overall increase in homelessness by 3.4% last year, with street homelessness rising by 7.9%.</p>
<p>Smith also noted that LAHSA's role should be understood within the broader context of Bass's responsibilities as mayor, which include overseeing city departments, managing the municipal budget, and directing homelessness initiatives.</p>
<p>Bass's administration has representation on LAHSA through her appointee, Stephanie Graves, who chairs the commission. Smith argued that the criticism misrepresents the hierarchy of responsibilities, asserting that Bass's primary role is to deliver results on homelessness.</p>
<p>Los Angeles County has begun shifting some responsibilities away from LAHSA, and the agency's ability to manage approximately $240 million in federal funding was previously suspended by the Trump administration before a federal judge intervened. LAHSA currently faces questions regarding its funding and future structure.</p>
<p>Smith suggested that Raman has a more significant political challenge than merely criticizing Bass's attendance, as she needs to broaden her coalition to attract moderate and Republican voters who did not support either candidate in the initial round.</p>
<p>He predicted that the attendance issue may serve as an opposition talking point but is unlikely to significantly alter the race dynamics. Voter concerns are likely to focus on the effectiveness of the mayor's actions regarding homelessness.</p>
<p>Michael Fahey, founder of Fahey Communications, stated that Bass's self-appointment to the commission complicates the optics of her attendance. He remarked that if someone else had appointed her, it might have created a different perception.</p>
<p>Political expert Brad Chase provided a critical view of Bass, suggesting that her challenges stem from a perceived disorganization rather than mere distraction. He noted that governing Los Angeles has become increasingly complex and that Bass's ability to adapt is a concern.</p>
<p>Chase also highlighted that progressive candidates in other major cities have successfully defeated establishment politicians without engaging in every traditional policy debate, indicating a broader political challenge for Bass.</p>