Montgomery County Council voted unanimously on Dec. 2 to confirm Council Member Natalie Fani Gonzales as council president and Marilyn Balcom as vice president.

A motion nominating Gonzalez was made, seconded and approved by hand‑raise. Council Member Lorien Sales spoke in support of Gonzalez’s record on housing, public safety and immigrant advocacy before the unanimous vote. Later in the morning Council Member Don Lukey nominated Marilyn Balcom to serve as vice president; that motion also carried unanimously.

Newly installed Council President Gonzalez used her first remarks to outline priorities for the coming year, saying the council must protect due process and “lead with determination and compassion,” while emphasizing support for vulnerable residents. She listed items she plans to press next year including redevelopment of the District 4 police station, investments in early childhood education and economic development to support local businesses.

Council members thanked outgoing leadership and staff for the past year’s work; the council recessed briefly after the leadership votes and reconvened under the new president.