With his time in office coming to a close, community members celebrated mayor Jeff Jacobs with a retirement party.

The celebration at the Minneapolis Marriott West Hotel Dec. 3 recognized the mayor and his past contributions to St. Louis Park, according to the Jeff Jacobs Retirement Party Committee.

According to St. Louis Park communications and marketing manager Jacqueline Larson, who served on the planning committee, the party was a resounding success.

“I’m pleased we were able to recognize mayor Jacobs for his years of service,” Larson said. “I’m happy so many people came out to our event.”

According to Jacobs, his retirement and the recent celebration provide a time to reflect on his time in office, serving the Park community.

“I have been greatly honored and privileged to serve such a great community,” Jacobs said. “I hope that everything we did as a council and as a community helped to create a place that our children will be proud to inherit.”

Jacobs was first elected to the city council in 1991 and became mayor in 1999, according to the St. Louis Park Historical Society.

Freshman Cailey Hansen-Mahoney said Jacobs’ retirement signifies the end of an era for St. Louis Park.

“(Jacobs) has done great work facilitating light rail transit discussion, working with the freight rail reroute and supporting St. Louis Park Schools,” Hansen-Mahoney said.

Mayor-elect Jake Spano, who worked closely with Jacobs in the past, said the city will look markedly different with Jacobs no longer at the helm.

“There are so many projects (Jacobs) was a part of, but I will miss his humor and love for the city the most,” Spano said. “He leaves a big void on the council, but I know he looks forward to the next 20 years as much as he has been a part of the last 20.”

Spano won the mayoral election Nov. 3.