Ep 163: "Building a Modern City with Empathy Through Adversity" with Nithya Raman

Can local government work for everyone? Can individual citizens like you, make a difference in your neighborhoods and Cities? Can elected officials think differently about a City’s challenges and opportunities, to build better? Rob sits down with CouncilPerson Nithya Raman — the first South Asian woman elected to L.A.'s City Council in the City’s 245 year history — for a candid, but hopeful and human conversation about the city’s biggest challenges: homelessness, housing, and a climate in crisis. Nithya shares how empathy, activism, and bold policy can work together to create real change, while offering practical ways Angelenos can step up and shape their neighborhoods for the better over the long term. Feel free to follow and engage with NITHYA here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cd4losangeles/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nithyaforthecity/X: https://x.com/nithyavramanWebsite: https://cd4.lacity.gov We're so grateful to you, our growing audience of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders interested in the human stories of the Entrepreneurial Thinkers behind entrepreneurial economies worldwide. As always we hope you enjoy each episode and Like, Follow, Subscribe or share with your friends. You can find our shows here, and our new Video Podcast, at “Entrepreneurial Thinkers” channel on YouTube. Plug in, relax and enjoy inspiring, educational and empowering conversations between Rob and our guests. ¡Cheers y gracias!, Entrepreneurial Thinkers Team. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nithya Raman 04:58 Current Challenges in Los Angeles 11:36 The Role of Local Government 13:33 Balancing Aspirations and Governance 20:05 Community Engagement and Local Impact 34:12 Housing as a Central Issue 39:59 Integrating Housing and Climate Policy 46:00 Actionable Steps for Angelenos