Bass Urges CSUN Students to Vote, Get Involved

The Los Angeles mayor answered student questions on housing, affordability, and opportunities at a fireside chat hosted by the Black Student Union.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Bass Urges CSUN Students to Vote, Get Involved

Live Poll

Do you think Los Angeles is becoming more affordable for young people?

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass met with students from the California State University, Northridge Black Student Union for a fireside chat on October 29, 2026. Bass encouraged students to get involved in politics and to vote in the November 3 general election.

Why it matters

The discussion centered on affordable student housing and safety, issues that directly affect young residents of Los Angeles. Bass's outreach to students comes ahead of the general election, when turnout among younger voters is a recurring focus for local officials.

The fireside chat was held October 29, 2026, four days before the November 3, 2026 general election. No attendance figures or vote-turnout data were reported from the event.

The players

Karen Bass

Karen Bass is the mayor of Los Angeles, a former U.S. Representative for California's 37th congressional district, and a longtime advocate for housing and public safety policy.

Nhiyra Bawu

Nhiyra Bawu is the president of the California State University, Northridge Black Student Union, who emphasized that students belong in decision-making spaces.

The details

Students submitted questions in advance, and Bass answered them at the Orchard Conference Center, where attendees received lunch and refreshments. Topics included political engagement, housing affordability, internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. and at City Hall, and the need for affordable housing for community college students.

October 29, 2026: Mayor Bass holds the fireside chat with the CSUN Black Student Union.
November 3, 2026: General election held.

Civic Engagement Context

Bass's direct outreach to students ahead of the November 3 election extends the city's ongoing effort to bring younger residents into local decision-making. The conversation on community college housing ties the event to Los Angeles's broader affordability agenda.

Students and young voters in Los Angeles can take part by registering and voting in the November 3 general election. The chat signals that city leaders are actively seeking student input on housing and internship pathways.

The takeaway

Young residents who want a say in housing and safety decisions can start by voting in the November 3 general election and reaching out to city offices about internship programs. Participation at the local level is one of the most direct ways to shape those outcomes.