News Summary
Jackie Goodman, a valued former Austin City Council Member and environmental advocate, has died at the age of 79. Her commitment to various community initiatives and environmental stewardship earned her significant recognition and respect. Goodman served on the council for over a decade and was an influential figure in land use planning, education, and social services. As the community mourns her loss, plans for a commemorative event are being organized to celebrate her impactful legacy.
Austin – Jackie Goodman, a prominent former Austin City Council Member and environmental advocate, passed away on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 79. Her sister, Janis Morgan, confirmed the news, noting that Goodman was recovering from major surgery performed in March prior to her death. Emergency vehicles were called to her home on Austin Highlands Boulevard shortly before 6 p.m. on Tuesday after her sister discovered her unresponsive in the front yard.
Goodman served four consecutive three-year terms on the Austin City Council from 1993 to 2005 and was elected Mayor Pro Tem by her colleagues in 1998. During her time on the council, she focused on issues such as land use planning, environmental stewardship, social services, education, animal rights, civil liberties, libraries, and neighborhood development. Her advocacy in these areas earned her induction into the Austin Women’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
Goodman was also a dedicated board member of the Save Barton Creek Association for 30 years, further emphasizing her commitment to environmental causes. Former colleagues and friends have hailed her for her unwavering fight for the environment and social justice throughout her career. They described her as a quiet but passionate leader whose influence and dedication shaped the community.
Born on May 17, 1946, in Lakeland, Florida, Goodman was the daughter of Leonard Morgan, a retired U.S. Army Major. She graduated from high school in El Paso, Texas, before attending the University of Texas at El Paso. Her husband, Jack Goodman, was also an environmentalist who served on the board of the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District for 22 years. He passed away in 2022.
As an educator, Goodman taught at Open Door Preschool and First United Methodist Preschool, where she inspired countless children to appreciate the importance of community and environmental stewardship. Mayor Kirk Watson expressed his deep sadness over her passing, acknowledging her impactful contributions to the city of Austin.
Lee Leffingwell and Will Wynn, both former Austn Mayors, recognized Goodman’s vital role in community service and advocacy. Political advisor Alfred Stanley noted how her gentle demeanor might have led others to underestimate her exceptional negotiation skills, which were critical to her effectiveness in public service.
Former Travis County Commissioner Karen Sonleitner reflected on Goodman’s steadfast commitment to community cooperation and environmental protection, characterizing her as a true champion for the causes she believed in. Goodman was respected not just for her political career but also for her dedication to improving the lives of Austin residents through various initiatives.
As the community mourns the loss of this influential figure, her sister indicated that there would be no formal funeral arrangements; however, plans for a community event organized by someone from the Open Door Preschool may take place to celebrate Goodman’s legacy and contributions. Citizens and former colleagues continue to remember Jackie Goodman for her lasting impact on Austin and the values she fought for throughout her life.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: Jackie Goodman Obituary
- Wikipedia: Jackie Goodman
- KVUE: Austin Council Member Jackie Goodman Dies
- Google Search: Jackie Goodman
- Austin Monitor: Jackie Goodman Has Died
- Google Scholar: Jackie Goodman
- KVUE Video: Former Austin Council Member Jackie Goodman Dies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jackie Goodman
- Austin Monitor: Austin Loses Advocate for the Environment and People
- Google News: Jackie Goodman
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
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