Kevin’s Story
Council Member Kevin Christopher Riley was born and raised in the heart of the Northeast Bronx—and he’s never left. From the steps of Butler United Methodist Church to the classrooms of Mount Saint Michael Academy, Kevin’s story is deeply rooted in the very neighborhoods he now proudly represents: Wakefield, Baychester, Eastchester, Olinville, Edenwald, Williamsbridge, and Co-op City.
Kevin’s journey to public service wasn’t sparked by ambition, but by a calling to serve the community that raised him. After earning his B.A. in Politics, Economics and Law from SUNY College at Old Westbury and his M.P.A. from the Metropolitan College of New York, Kevin began over a decade of work alongside New York State Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie—gaining the experience, trust, and insight needed to truly advocate for the Bronx.
In 2021, Kevin brought that experience home, winning election to the New York City Council and becoming the first Black Council Member to represent the 12th District. Since then, Council Member Riley has stayed true to his word: to uplift, invest in, and protect the people of the Bronx.
As Chair of the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises, Kevin leads with equity—helping shepherd over 40 land use applications across the city, unlocking more than 12,000 new housing units, over 63% of which are affordable. He's making sure that new development meets the needs of working families—not just developers. As Co-Chair of the Black, Latino and Asian Caucus—the largest in the City Council—Kevin co-led the passage of the historic FDNY Diversity bill package, advancing equity in recruitment, retention, and training
in one of the city’s most vital institutions. His legislation ensures accountability and transparency where it's needed most.
But Kevin’s leadership doesn’t stop at legislation. He’s brought home over $97 million in capital investments to improve parks, public housing, senior centers, youth services, and public schools in the 12th District. He’s championed $79.4 million to expand the Summer Youth Employment Program to reach 100,000 young people across New York City—because he knows firsthand what a first job can mean to a young person trying to find their path.
Council Member Riley leads by example. He developed a Young Men’s Mentorship Program with the Academy for Scholarship and Entrepreneurship, giving Bronx youth the tools they need to succeed—from college
prep to career coaching. He’s also a founding member of The Dad Gang, a national movement dismantling harmful stereotypes about Black fatherhood and celebrating the powerful role Black dads play in their children’s lives.
To Kevin Riley, public service is personal. His leadership is guided not by politics, but by people—by neighbors, mentors, elders, and youth he sees every day in the community that shaped him.
Now, as he seeks re-election, Council Member Kevin C. Riley remains committed to a vision of the Bronx where every family has access to opportunity, every child sees themselves in leadership, and every voice is heard. His greatest achievement will always be being a devoted husband and proud father to his three children—but his work for the Bronx is just getting started.
Accomplishments
Fraternity Man of the Year 2009
B.A in Politics Economics and Law 2010
M.P.A in Public Affairs and Administration 2017
The Pi Alpha Alpha 2018 Inductee Honors Society recipient
Change of life ministry Public Service Man Power Award 2018
The Bharati Foundation and Las Maravillas Del Exodu Inc Five borough Leadership Award 2019
The Williamsbridge NAACP Public Servant Award 2018
The Jade Multi-Family Circle Parents Association Public Service Award 2018
The AT&T and News One 2020 Future First Recipient
2020 Grandparents Around the World Community Servant recipient
