AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Austin City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem Jackie Goodman died, according to a social media post by current Mayor Pro Tem Vanessa on Wednesday.
Goodman served as a city council member between 1993 and 2005 and a term as Mayor Pro Tem. Prior to joining the city council, she worked as an early childhood educator.
Beginning in the 1970s, she contributed to environmental causes as part of the “Zilker Park Posse,” according to the Austin History Center. She was also a member of the Save Barton Creek Association for more than 30 years, a steering committee member of Save Our Springs, and worked with other local environmental groups.
During her time on the city council, Goodman successfully led a petition effort to remove term limits on council members. The Austin Commission for Women inducted Goodman into its Hall of Fame in 2016.
Local leaders react
Fuentes said she was “saddened” by Goodman’s passing.
“Jackie served our city with distinction for 12 years on Council (1993-2005) and as Mayor Pro Tem. She was a passionate advocate for environmental protection, underserved communities, and thoughtful growth,” Fuentes said. “Our thoughts are with her family. Jackie’s legacy of public service will continue to inspire Austin.”
Former Austin Mayors Lee Leffingwell (2009-2015) and Will Wynn (2003-2009) also sent statements.
“Jackie was an incredibly savvy political and policy operative,” Leffingwell wrote. “She would navigate the Council dais, and the community, as she championed the important issues around our regional growth. Her dedication to our community set a high standard. I would count on her to have the deepest understanding of the most complicated issues, and the solutions to go with them.”
“I learned so much from Jackie over the five years we served together. She was such an important voice for so many Austinites. I will miss her,” Wynn wrote.
Former Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector Bruce Elfant wrote on social media that he and Goodman had been friends for over 40 years.
“She was passionate and pushy in her quiet way when it came to how the City of Austin should address growth and our environment,” Elfant said. “I last spoke with Jackie just a few weeks ago when she was attempting to resolve an issue for a neighborhood association. Jackie’s work on and off the council dais helped make Austin a better place. May her memory be a blessing.”
The Travis County Democratic Party and Friends of Armadillo Park also posted tributes to the former council member.