Former Austin City Council Member Chris Riley Dies at 60

“It's time, and I'm ready to go. It's been such a wonderful, blessed life." — Chris Riley

Chris Riley, a former Austin City Council member and advocate for the city's urbanist movement, passed away on Sunday from cancer complications, as confirmed by his family to the American-Statesman [https://www.statesman.com/]. He was 60 years old.

Riley's passion, dedication, and vision left a lasting impact on Austin's city planning and politics. He served as an at-large council member from 2009 to 2015, championing policies to enhance downtown attractiveness and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. A downtown resident himself, Riley embraced a car-free lifestyle, relying on his bicycle for transportation.

Born and raised in Austin, Riley led a life guided by his ambitions and unique perspective. After leaving high school, he moved to Washington, D.C., at 16 to work as a page for U.S. Rep. J.J. Pickle. He then attended Harvard University for his undergraduate studies and later returned to Austin to attend UT law school.

Friends and family erinnered Riley as the "life of the party," always eager to explore Austin's live music scene and dive bars. He was also an avid dancer, enjoying various styles such as swing and the jitterbug at venues like the Continental Club.

He's incredibly thoughtful and ethical. And he really puts his money where his mouth is... He has beliefs, and then he lives his life according to those beliefs. — Carolyn Ostrom, attorney and friend of Chris Riley

Riley's impact on Austin's city landscape was honored in May with the renaming of a section of the Shoal Creek Trail as the "Chris Riley Bend". This tribute recognized his tireless advocacy for reconnecting downtown Austin with the historic Shoal Creek Greenbelt.

Former colleagues and friends, including Council Member Ryan Alter, celebrated Riley's contribution, acknowledging his early adoption of urbanist policies. Riley's influence extended beyond his tenure, as the City Council later embraced parking reforms, housing density initiatives, and the arrival of ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Riley's outlook on Austin's growth was optimistic and inclusive. He embraced the city's evolving vibrancy and advocated for welcoming newcomers. In the final weeks of his life, Riley reflected on his impact on the city, his meaningful relationships, and his joyful approach to life, drawing inspiration from "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl.

Chris Riley is survived by his wife, Denise Brady, his parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and a network of cherished friends. Funeral arrangements are pending.