Austin Mourns the Loss of Former Council Member Chris Riley

Champion of Urbanist Movement Passes Away at 60

Austin, TX — Former Austin City Council member Chris Riley, a passionate advocate for urbanist policies and making downtown living more attractive, has passed away at the age of 60. Riley's death on Sunday, as confirmed by his family, was due to complications with cancer.

"It's time, and I'm ready to go. It's been such a wonderful, blessed life." Riley told the American-Statesman [http://subscription.austinamericanstatesman.com/] on July 13, reflecting on his life and impact on the city he loved.

Serving on the Austin City Council from 2009 to 2015, Riley left his mark on the city's development. He resided downtown, having given up his car in favor of a bicycle, and advocated for policies to enhance the experience of those walking or cycling.

"We're so lucky to be in this vibrant city and we should be welcoming all these people that are coming here, because they're making it more vibrant and more interesting." — Ben Leffler, former policy adviser to Riley

Leffler, who now works for Council Member Ryan Alter, described Riley as a "thought leader," unafraid of change and growth, and always optimistic about Austin's future.

Riley's impact extended beyond his tenure, with the council recently voting to eliminate parking requirements and reduce minimum lot sizes, and embracing transportation apps like Uber and Lyft. He was also a proponent of accessory dwelling units, providing more housing options for residents.

In May, Riley was honored by the council with an ordinance renaming a section of the Shoal Creek Trail as "Chris Riley Bend," a tribute to his tireless advocacy for connecting downtown with the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.

Remembered by friends and family as intelligent, ethical, and dedicated, Riley was the "life of the party," always eager to explore Austin's live music scene and dive bars. He was also an "elegant dancer," mastering everything from swing to the jitterbug.

Riley's life was a testament to his beliefs, and his impact on Austin will be felt for generations to come. He is survived by his wife, Denise Brady, his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, and will be sorely missed by the Austin community.

Funeral arrangements are pending.