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Metro鈥檚 newly elected council president has started early. Metro Council on Tuesday appointed and swore in Juan Carlos Gonz谩lez as president to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Lynn Peterson in March. The term ends Jan. 4, 2027.

Gonz谩lez was selected from among four applicants vying to serve the remainder of Peterson鈥檚 term before he starts his four-year term next January. He received 66.7 percent of the vote in the May election.

Duncan Hwang had served as acting president the past few months.

鈥淚鈥檝e held this office as a Metro councilor with sincere reverence, and I deeply have appreciated the opportunity to come to work knowing that I鈥檓 surrounded by public servants, not just on the dais but in every single wing of this building,鈥� Gonz谩lez said.

Gonz谩lez has served as a Metro councilor for seven and a half years. He spent nine months campaigning ahead of the May election.

After being appointed, Gonz谩lez provided some remarks regarding his new role, saying the council needs to actively champion its work, show the value it brings to residents, and increase public trust. He also said the council has a series of mandates, including boosting affordable housing; protecting nature, clean air and water; and creating an economy that raises working people.

The appointment of Gonz谩lez to president creates a new council vacancy: the representative from District 4. The council voted Tuesday to declare a vacancy and start the process of appointing a new councilor for District 4 to serve through the end of the year. Miles Palacios was elected by voters in the May election to start the role next January. Applications to fill the vacancy in the interim should be available within the next month, according to a Metro press release.