Majority Leader Joel Rivera has already made his mark in history by becoming the youngest New York City elected official at the age of 22. At the age of 23, he was unanimously selected by his colleagues to become the Council's youngest ever Majority Leader.

Rivera is the Chairman of both the State & Federal Legislation and the Charter Revision committees. Elected in 2001 in a special election, Rivera wasted no time in building relationships with his constituents. He meets with students to discuss issues including high tuition, smaller classes and the need for qualified teachers. He has taken tours with the Borough Parks Commissioner to advance beautification projects, lobbied for increased personnel, and has secured funding for projects at Poe Park, Crotona Park and local community gardens. Rivera takes a special interest in seniors and joins them at senior centers for lunch.

He has constantly been involved in community activities, such as The People's Convention for Housing, the first "Not in My Neighborhood You Don't" Anti-drug Campaign, of which he is still a member, the "March Against Apartheid" with Rev. Jesse Jackson, and voter registration drives. At age fifteen, Rivera traveled to Israel where he visited day care centers and orphanages. He was active in the struggle to remove the Navy from Vieques and has participated in toy drives to benefit the less fortunate in both the Bronx and in Puerto Rico.

Re-elected in November 2001 and November 2003, Rivera continues to work hard to insure that the 15th Council District continues on a progressive path.

Rivera is the son of State Assemblyman, and Bronx Democratic Committee Chairman, Jose Rivera.

Entered City Council: 02/20/2001
Current Term Expires: 12/31/2009

Represents: Bathgate, Belmont, Crotona, Fordham, East Tremont, West Farms

Committees: Health (Chair); Finance; Housing & Buildings; Land Use; Rules, Privileges & Elections; State & Federal Legislation; Zoning & Franchises