Council Member Kevin Riley named chair of City Council Land Use Committee; leaders tout housing push

Council Member Kevin Riley was formally introduced as chair of the New York City Council's Land Use Committee at a community event at the Jackie Robinson YMCA, where local and state leaders cast the appointment as a boost for neighborhood-driven housing and development priorities.

Julie Menin, identified in the program as Speaker of the New York City Council, announced Riley's new role and framed land use as the council's most consequential portfolio for addressing the city's affordability crisis. "There is no more important issue affecting the future of our city than land use and that is building affordable housing," Menin said, urging a proactive approach that would consider building housing on top of public library branches and developing underused city-owned parcels.

Menin also addressed the municipal budget debate, saying the council would not support property-tax increases tied to the mayor's proposals: "We are NOT RAISING TAXES," she told the crowd.

Carl E. Heastie, introduced as New York State Speaker of the Assembly, praised Riley's community roots and the role of local mentors in preparing him for leadership. Heastie said Riley's perspective as a Bronx native would help bring neighborhood priorities to City Hall.

In an acceptance-style address, Riley recounted his upbringing in the Northeast Bronx, the neighborhood history behind the Jackie Robinson YMCA and his path into elected office. He said he won his election on Dec. 22, 2020 and took office Jan. 6, describing the early months of his tenure as a time of rebuilding and service: "I stepped into a position that was unfortunately tainted at the time," he said, thanking staff, mentors and family for their support.

Riley named members of his staff and family during his remarks, and called his wife, Danielle Palmer Ryan — identified in the program as the public administrator of the Bronx — to the stage.

State Senator Jamaal Bailey and other community leaders and mentors offered testimonials praising Riley's work with young people and seniors and emphasizing local investment and stewardship. Adrian Shaw, a mentor with Team High, led young men in an affirmation; Sophie Levy, representing older-adult programs, described Riley's long-standing presence at senior-center activities.

The event closed with refreshments and fellowship. No formal council vote or legislative action took place at the gathering; the announcements and remarks signaled political backing and outlined policy priorities Riley and allies expect to pursue through the Land Use Committee.