By Keyang Pang | UNE News | Los Angeles
This week, the UNE News team was officially invited to Los Angeles City Hall for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Mayor Karen Bass. The conversation offered a rare inside look into the city’s operations and future development strategies. With sincerity and determination, Mayor Bass shared her administration’s latest progress and long-term vision in key areas such as homelessness relief, Olympic preparation, community revitalization, and equitable city policies.
During the interview, Jennifer Liu, Publisher of UNE News , sat down with Mayor Bass to discuss the city’s ongoing efforts to address the homelessness crisis, promote social equity and inclusion, and prepare for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
When speaking about homelessness, Mayor Bass highlighted the success of programs like “Inside Safe”, which has helped thousands of unhoused residents transition into temporary or permanent housing while expanding access to mental health and addiction recovery services. “We must address homelessness at its roots,” Bass emphasized. “Only by integrating housing, healthcare, and social support can we help people rebuild their lives and truly move off the streets.”
As Los Angeles gears up to host several major global events — including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics — Mayor Bass’s signature initiative, “Shine LA”, has produced impressive results. The program mobilizes city agencies and communities to clean, beautify, and restore Los Angeles, encouraging civic pride and preparing the city for its moment on the world stage.
Mayor Bass also discussed recent progress in infrastructure upgrades, transportation improvements, and sustainable development. She stressed that the city aims to strike a balance between event preparation and community needs . “The legacy we want to leave behind is not just stadiums and roads,” she said. “It’s a more inclusive, greener, and livable Los Angeles.”
A key highlight of the interview was Bass’s focus on revitalizing Chinatown, which she called “an integral part of the city’s cultural and historical fabric.” The mayor expressed her commitment to supporting small businesses, improving housing, enhancing safety, and promoting cultural diversity to help Chinatown thrive again . “I truly want to hear from Chinese American residents, workers, students, and visitors,” Bass said. “Their voices are vital to the future of this city. Los Angeles is built on diversity — and every community deserves to be heard and seen.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Mayor Bass shared that her commitment to public service began at the grassroots level. Despite the challenges of leading a complex metropolis, she remains guided by the principles of listening, empathy, and collaboration. Her priorities, she said, continue to focus on inclusive economic growth, public safety, youth mental health, and equitable community development.
In a significant announcement during the interview, Mayor Bass confirmed her intention to run for re-election in 2026, aiming to consolidate and expand the progress achieved in her first term. “My goal is to continue building a safer, fairer, and more resilient Los Angeles,” she stated.
UNE Publisher Jennifer Liu reflected after the interview : “Direct dialogue with policymakers is the most effective way to gain authentic insight. Many in the Chinese community remain distant from civic engagement due to language barriers, but it’s vital that we speak up, participate, and represent our voices. Mayor Bass impressed us with her authenticity, empathy, and deep sense of responsibility. She is not only a leader — she is also a listener and a doer.”
