Kevin Christopher Riley is the New York City Council Member representing the 12th Council District, covering the neighborhoods of Williamsbridge-Olinville, Bronxwood, Eastchester-Edenwald-Baychester, Wakefield, Allerton-Parkside, Baychester, The Valley, and Co-op City.
Born and raised in the Northeast Bronx, he has always prioritized giving back and building community. After over a decade of working with Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl E. Heastie, his passion for public service led him to successfully run for the New York City Council, representing the district that raised him, Council District 12.
Since taking office in 2021, Council Member Riley has championed over $130 million in discretionary and capital investments for his district, expanded financial education opportunities for youth, passed landmark legislation including the FDNY Diversity bills, and enriched his community through comprehensive youth and senior services.
In 2024, he launched the Roads to Invest Fest: From the Bronx to Atlanta initiative in partnership with Roads to Success and AIMHigh Empowerment Institute. In its second year (August 2025), the program continues to provide Bronx youth with access to education, exposure, and opportunity in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and higher education. This year, two participating students earned a combined $3,500 in scholarships through the first-ever Invest Fest High School Pitch Competition—an activation made possible through collaboration with Council Member Riley’s office.
A founding member of the nationwide organization The Dad Gang and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Riley exemplifies the fraternity’s motto, “Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor.” He is dedicated to empowering fathers, promoting positive fatherhood, and strengthening community bonds through service.
Riley’s leadership on land use and community development has been central to his Council work. As Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Land Use, he now leads one of the Council’s most influential committees, shaping decisions on housing, economic development, and neighborhood planning citywide. Building on his prior service as Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises and as Co-Chair of the Black, Latino & Asian Caucus, he has consistently advocated for affordable housing, equitable development, increased civic engagement, and transparency in city planning and budget processes — centering the voices of communities of color across New York City.
His commitment to mentorship shines through his Limitless Leaders program at The Academy for Scholarship & Entrepreneurship in the Bronx, which equips young men with the tools to achieve their fullest potential. Through this program and others, he promotes civic education, leadership development, and real-world readiness for the next generation.
As an Adjunct Professor at his alma mater, Metropolitan College of New York, Riley imparts his passion for public policy to the next generation, guiding students to drive meaningful change in their own communities and beyond.
Above all, Kevin C. Riley takes immense pride in his role as a husband and father to his three children, Brooke, Kate, and Caleb, continuing to lead with love, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to uplift his community.