Council Spotlight

Natali Fani-Gonzalez Montgomery County Council President Newsletter Banner. Collage of photos of Fani-Gonzalez in the community with Gov. Moore and community members.

Neighbors:

Last week I proudly accepted the nomination to serve as the Montgomery County Council President for the upcoming year.

I’m proud to lead alongside Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, my friend and partner on the Economic Development Committee. Together, we make up the first all-female leadership the Council has had in more than 20 years.

As we prepare for this next year, one thing needs to be crystal clear: Fairness only endures when we have one system of justice for everyone. If one group can be denied due process, none of us will be safe to enjoy the rights that this country – the one that I now as an immigrant call home – says it stands for. With this in mind as my guiding star, I will lead this Council with determination and compassion, particularly focused on the most vulnerable in Montgomery County.

Collaboration will be critical in the upcoming year. We will continue the great work of this Council to ensure public safety, education and economic growth remain top priorities. I’m committed to providing economic opportunity for all, while treating people with dignity and giving everyone a fair chance – values that make Montgomery County an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family. I joined Kojo Nnamdi and Tom Sherwood on the Politics Hour last week to discuss my presidency -- in case you missed it, you can listen to that conversation here.

I look forward to working together with input and engagement from our amazing community members to move these priorities forward.

Last, let me extend my best wishes to you and your families and loved ones as we approach the holiday season. May this be a season filled with light, love and joy for all.

Council President Fani-González and Vice President Balcombe pose for a selfie.

The Trust Act

My first act as Council President was introducing The Trust Act, a piece of emergency legislation to protect our immigrant communities. The bill would prohibit discriminatory practices by the County against immigrants and limit the use of County agents and resources in immigration enforcement. The bill would also ensure County services continue to be available to all residents, regardless of immigration status. I’m proud to have the support of County Executive Marc Elrich, Police Chief Marc Yamada, my Council colleagues, and dozens of partner organizations, including CASA, 32BJ SEIU, and the Maryland Chapter of the ACLU.

We must be proactive in protecting the most vulnerable members of our community, including our immigrant communities who face rising threats from the Trump administration. This is the time to step up and embrace our values without fear, without hesitation, and with compassion and love toward one another. A public hearing will be held on January 13.

Council President Fani-González speaks at a podium with CASA members and county leaders standing behind her.

University Boulevard Corridor Plan

On Tuesday the Council took its final vote to approve the University Boulevard Corridor Plan, following a straw vote that was taken last week.

Let’s be clear: this plan is about creating housing opportunities and making this corridor safe for people to walk, bike, roll, take transit and drive.

The plan makes recommendations on traffic safety, regional connectivity, environmental sustainability, corridor-focused growth, and economic development within a three-mile stretch of University Boulevard from the edge of East Indian Spring Drive to Amherst Avenue in Wheaton.

The Council heard from hundreds of residents at public hearings in September, following years of public engagement by the Planning Department. I have personally met with many community members, including a well-attended listening session I hosted at Odessa Shannon Middle School earlier this year. Following these meetings, I advocated for several improvements to the plan, including the exclusion of the Kemp Mill Shopping Center from the boundaries of the plan as explained in this letter I sent to my colleagues in July. I explain additional improvements that have been incorporated into the plan in this video.

I appreciate the robust public input and perspectives that were brought to us as the Council took up this plan. I’m optimistic about the safety improvements, increased connectivity and economic opportunities that this plan helps move forward.

New Councilmember Appointment

This week, the Council voted to appoint Shebra Evans as the new At-Large Councilmember to fill the temporary councilmember position vacated by former Councilmember Gabe Albornoz on Dec. 1. Last week, we interviewed three top candidates for this caretaker position. I’m confident that Councilmember Evans’ experience serving eight years on the Montgomery County Board of Education will serve her well in this role, and I look forward to working with her in the year ahead. I also want to thank each of the applicants who applied to serve our community. Councilmember Evans will serve the remainder of the term that ends on Dec. 1, 2026.

With the appointment of Shebra Evans, we have also updated committee assignments. Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles will chair the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee and Councilmember Andrew Friedson will join the HHS Committee, which also includes Councilmember Dawn Luedtke. Councilmember Evans will join the Education and Culture Committee and the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee. All other committee assignments remain the same.

Shebra Evans sits in the Council chamber during the interview process for the new Councilmember position.

Update on Economic Development Grants

The Economic Development (ECON) Committee received a briefing last week on the status of economic development grants in Montgomery County. These grants aim to help companies, small businesses and entrepreneurs across the county. There are two grant categories: grants provided to businesses and investors through the Economic Development Fund and J.O.B.S. Initiative; and, noncompetitive contracts awarded to providers of business support services through the Small Business Support Services NDA and the Office of the County Executive. This status update will help us better prepare for the upcoming budget to ensure funds are being allocated strategically and effectively.

Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens

Now through early January, The Garden of Lights display transforms Brookside Gardens into a magical winter wonderland. Take the whole family to visit the gardens in Wheaton and enjoy the outdoor lights and unique displays across the grounds.

Get your tickets today!

Lights display with text: “Montgomery Parks Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens”.