Council President Betsy Wilkerson opened a formal salutation recognizing four years of service by Councilmember Jonathan Bridal, and councilmembers from across the dais offered personal tributes Tuesday night.

Wilkerson presented the salutation on behalf of the council, saying it honored Bridal’s “four years of dedicated service” to the city. Colleagues praised Bridal’s work on downtown development, updates to facility fees and regional homeless response, as well as his debating skills and mentorship.

Councilmember Cathcart said Bridal’s presence made “the tough days better” and credited him with being a partner on District 1 issues. Councilmember Dylan recalled policy fights and bipartisan cooperation, noting Bridal’s work on a fentanyl resolution and urbanism issues. Several colleagues thanked Bridal’s legislative assistant, Candy Davis, for her service.

Bridal addressed the chamber at length, saying serving his hometown had been “the honor of a lifetime.” He urged members to remember that “on the end of every decision is a person affected by that decision” and asked the council to continue engaging with residents. In a lighter moment, Bridal urged the council to consider a neighborhood nickname, joking that a stretch of North Division be called the “Chicken Strip.”

The recognition and remarks were followed by a long public open forum in which numerous residents and organization representatives offered additional praise and thanks for Bridal’s service.

The council concluded the meeting with holiday remarks and adjourned for the season.