A farewell reception was held for At-Large Councilman Matthew Goodman at the Ames Public Library on Wednesday evening.

Goodman, the veteran councilmember and mayor pro-tempore, decided not to run for reelection after 12 years on the council.

Friends, family and fellow council members gathered to congratulate Goodman on his tenure as a public servant and wish him good luck in post-council life.

Susan Gwiasda, the Ames public relations officer, said Goodman had been a councilmember ever since she first came to Ames. She said working without him would be an adjustment.

“He’s been a constant through my career,” Gwiasda said. “It’s a bittersweet day, but I’m happy for [Goodman].”

Many attendees cited Goodman’s experience on the council and history as a long-time resident of Ames as factors that had been integral to City Council over the years.

“It’s a big deal,” said Councilman Chris Nelson, Ward 4. “[Goodman] has been around long enough that there’s a lot of institutional knowledge there.”

Goodman, who is a local business owner, father and husband, said he looks forward to having free time on Tuesday nights, but he’ll miss being a voice for the voiceless in Ames.

“The perspective I was sharing has traditionally and historically been underrepresented,” Goodman said.

A self-described progressive, Goodman said he’ll now have time to focus on giving back to the community in other ways. As a member of the Ames Progressive Alliance, Goodman said he will continue to advocate for progressive policies in Ames like renewable energy, economic mobility and bike-friendly infrastructure.

Nelson, who attended Iowa State with Goodman in the 90s, said that although the veteran councilmember will be missed, he doubts this is the last of Matthew Goodman.

“He can still come and give input,” Nelson laughed. “In fact, I’m sure he will.”