The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) was created in 1984 by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, design, develop, operate, and maintain Roosevelt Island. RIOC is committed to providing services that enhance the island's residential community. RIOC manages the two-mile long island's roads, parks, buildings, Sportspark, the free Red Bus and the iconic aerial tramway. RIOC also operates the Public Safety Department, whose emphasis on community policing helps maintain the safe, secure environment enjoyed by all residents, employees, business owners, and visitors.
In addition to Public Purpose Fund grants, RIOC also supports the community through several different types of in-kind contributions throughout the year. For example, part of RIOC’s in-kind contributions involves producing popular community events such as:
- Fall for Arts Festival
- Roosevelt Island Day
- Halloween Extravaganza
- Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Summer Outdoor Movie Series
- Ribbon cutting ceremonies and celebrations for the completion of capital projects
RIOC also supports events produced by other organizations that bring visitors to the island, such as FIGMENT-NYC and the Cherry Blossom Festival.
RIOC grants several free licenses for the use of its spaces, such as community gardens, animal sanctuaries, meeting spaces and a well free after-school programs which will soon be relocated back to the newly refurbished Youth Center on Main Street. When added together, RIOC’s in-kind contributions add up to millions of dollars annually that are used to serve the community. RIOC hopes that Roosevelt Island residents and shareholders will continue to share their ideas about new ways we can use our resources to serve the community even better in the future.