Los Angeles Council Seeks New Public Restroom Expansion

Councilwoman Nithya Raman is calling for more public toilets and drinking water facilities across the city.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern, modular urban sanitation facility on a street corner, representing municipal public health infrastructure. — Los Angeles Councilwoman Nithya Raman introduced a motion to increase public restroom and drinking water facilities to address long-standing sanitation infrastructure gaps. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your city prioritize building more public restrooms despite ongoing maintenance and safety challenges?

Councilwoman Nithya Raman has introduced a motion to increase public restroom and water access throughout Los Angeles. The proposal aims to address critical shortages for homeless residents, outdoor workers, tourists, and pedestrians.

Why it matters

The city faces a persistent lack of sanitation infrastructure, highlighted by the collection of 70 tons of human waste from streets in 2025. This motion seeks to improve public health and accessibility by identifying new locations for facility construction.

A recent restroom project at Runyon Canyon cost $961,125 and features two stalls, while a 2001 contract for 150 automated toilets resulted in only 14 installations. City officials now have 60 days to report on potential sites and funding for the new expansion.

The players

Nithya Raman

Nithya Raman is a member of the Los Angeles City Council representing the 4th District.

The details

Raman's motion proposes prioritizing government-owned land, Metro stations, and public streets for the new facilities. This initiative comes as the city struggles with long-standing sanitation gaps and the maintenance of existing units.

In 2001, the city signed an agreement for 150 automated toilets.
In 2017, the LAPD requested overnight closures for five Skid Row bathrooms.
In 2025, crews removed 70 tons of human waste from public streets.
Construction on the Runyon Canyon bathroom began in January 2026.
The Runyon Canyon facility officially opened on August 22, 2026.

Political Context

The motion follows a pattern set by the 2001 Outfront/JCDecaux contract, which failed to meet its original installation targets. Opposition may arise from fiscal conservatives concerned about the high costs associated with recent projects like the $961,125 facility at Runyon Canyon.

The proposal could lead to the installation of more accessible restrooms in high-traffic public areas, improving sanitation and comfort for city residents. Readers should monitor upcoming City Council reports to see if new facilities are planned near their neighborhoods or frequent transit stops.

The takeaway

Expanding public sanitation infrastructure is a critical step for improving urban hygiene and support for vulnerable populations. Residents can advocate for specific site locations during the upcoming 60-day reporting window to ensure local needs are addressed.

What happens next

City officials are required to submit a formal report regarding potential locations and funding strategies for the proposed restroom expansion within 60 days.