Teresa Acosta Elected Secretary of Water Authority Board

Teresa Acosta Elected Secretary of Water Authority Board

January 23, 2026

Carlsbad City Councilmember Joins Leadership Team at Critical Juncture

The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors on Thursday unanimously elected Carlsbad City Councilmember Teresa Acosta as the Board's new secretary. Acosta replaces Joy Lyndes, who stepped down following her recent announcement that she will not seek re-election to her position on the Encinitas City Council this year.

"The San Diego County Water Authority is fortunate to have Director Acosta step up during this critical time in the agency's history," said Board Chair Nick Serrano, who represents the City of San Diego. "As an elected official in our North County, she brings a community perspective and a collaborative mindset to the Authority. She also shares my unwavering commitment to ensuring ratepayer affordability, and I look forward to working with her in this new leadership role to bring down costs for all San Diegans while ensuring a safe and reliable water supply."

Acosta, who has been Carlsbad's District 4 councilmember since 2020, currently serves as vice chair of the Water Authority's Legislation and Public Outreach Committee and is a member of the Administrative and Finance Committee. Additionally, Acosta is the First Vice President of the League of California Cities Board of Directors and will become its president in September 2026.

"I'm honored by the support of my colleagues as I take over the role of Board secretary," said Director Acosta. "I look to expand on the foundation that Director Lyndes and the rest of the leadership team built as we ensure this agency is doing everything possible for working families across the region."

Director Lyndes has represented San Dieguito Water District on the Water Authority Board since 2023 and has served as secretary since her unanimous election in October 2024. She plans to remain on the Water Authority Board through the end of the year.

"Director Lyndes has brought grounded, thoughtful, and collaborative leadership to every Board meeting, particularly as we have placed significant focus on affordability, reliability, and long-term planning," Chair Serrano said. "I am sincerely grateful for her leadership here at the Water Authority and her continued service to our region."