The San Diego Association of Governments' board of directors on Friday unanimously elected Solana Beach Mayor Lesa Heebner as its chair for a two-year term.
"I am honored to lead the organization in its mission to plan, build, and provide critical infrastructure and resources for the San Diego region," Heebner said in a statement. "I am committed to supporting the SANDAG team in strengthening the agency's internal operations and ensuring transparency for the board and the public."
Heebner has served Solana Beach for more than 20 years and has been a SANDAG board member for 14, two of which were as second vice chair. She succeeds former San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas.
SANDAG is an association of all municipal governments and the county government and impacts transportation and infrastructure projects and initiatives throughout San Diego County.
One of the agency's major tasks in 2025 is an update to its regional transportation plan — a list of projects and policies that, under state law, have to reduce driving and greenhouse gas emissions. Heebner said after voters narrowly rejected a sales tax measure to fund such projects, SANDAG has to be realistic about what it has the money to build.
"We all would love to see monorails and wonderful things throughout the entire region, but we can't afford it," Heebner told KPBS in an interview Friday. "So let's take a look at what we've got on the table that we can adjust, so that we can be able to actually build it, and build it in a timely manner."
San Diego City Council President Joe LaCava was elected as SANDAG vice chair, and Santee Mayor John Minto was elected second vice chair.
"I'm very honored to take on this role," LaCava said. "I look forward to collaborating with fellow board members and our regional partners to find solutions to our regional needs and improve the lives of people across the region."
He represents San Diego's District 1 and is chair of the SANDAG Regional Planning Committee.
Minto has served on the SANDAG Board since 2002. He chaired the Borders Committee from 2010 to 2016 and has served on the Public Safety Committee since 2016.
"We've got some really important work to do as SANDAG," Minto said. "I believe that by aligning our efforts, we can create vibrant communities where all residents can thrive."
