About Cindy

Get to Know Cindy

In April 2019, I was appointed to serve as Placer County Supervisor for District 5. With incredible support, I was elected to the seat in March 2020. I feel very fortunate to live, work, and serve in Placer County. For more than 40 years, it’s the place I’ve raised my family and call home.

District 5 is by far the largest and most diverse District in Placer County. It spans from Newcastle eastward to the High Sierras, containing almost 80% of the geographic area of Placer County. Additionally, over two-thirds of the residents of District 5 live in unincorporated areas, relying on the County for their elected representation. Each of the individual communities, whether incorporated or not, has incredible natural resources, and strong, unique characteristics. Because of its tremendous size and diversity, District 5’s needs are extremely complex. Effectively representing such a large and diverse area requires tremendous commitment, energy, and an approach that starts with listening carefully to the often very divergent needs of the District 5 residents. I spend many days each week at various events, activities, and meetings all across District 5 doing just that, listening.

Throughout my professional career and volunteer efforts, and now more than ever, I see a need to work in a bilateral manner in order to achieve results. As a dedicated independent, I strive to maintain positive working relationships with elected officials from across the political spectrum, often with very different views of how issues should be addressed. I work hard to serve those I represent, and that collaboration results in tangible benefits to District 5 and Placer County generally. 

“Public service is my passion. I am dedicated to creating solutions for the challenges we face together, and working collaboratively with residents and businesses throughout Placer County, District 5.”

Cindy About Us

In Addition to Serving on the Board of Supervisors, Cindy Currently Serves As:

  • Chair of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
  • Chair of the Placer County Local Agency Formation Commission
  • Board Member on the California Tahoe Conservancy
  • Board Member on the Sierra Nevada Conservancy 
  • Board Member on the Tahoe Transportation District
  • Board of California Association of Councils of Governments
  • Middle Fork Project Finance Authority Board

Past Experience

Before being appointed as Placer County Supervisor, District 5, I joined Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) in 1991 and was later appointed to the position of general manager. Under my leadership and guidance, TCPUD created a sustainable financial model that allowed for infrastructure replacement, the expansion and the improvement of parks and trails while maintaining water and sewer rates below the Proposition 218 levels.

After retiring from TCPUD, I returned to the private sector, serving as CEO of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, an organization representing the region’s business community. Cindy’s passion for public service extends beyond her career. She has served as an elected, appointed, and volunteer in many local, regional, county, and state efforts, such as

  • Tahoe Fund Board Member and Founding Chair, 2010-present
  • California Blue Ribbon Task Force for Marine Life Protection, Chair, 2010-2011
  • California Fish and Game Commission Commissioner, 2003-2008
  • Lake Tahoe Federal Advisory Committee Economics & Recreation Representative, 2000-2006
  • Tahoe Truckee Unified School District, Trustee, 1998–2003
  • Tahoe Baikal Institute, Board Member, 2000-2004
  • Tahoe City Beautification Committee, Board Member, 1996-2003
  • Tahoe Truckee Excellence In Education Foundation, Board Member/Past President, 1991-2005
  • Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, Citizen Appointee, 1991-1998
  • District 5 Field Aide for Supervisor Mike Fluty, 1988-89
  • North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of the Board, 1989-1993
  • Truckee North Tahoe Transportation Management Association, 1989-200
  • Placer County – Tahoe City Community Planning Team, Chair, 1986-1993
Cindy Gustafson Family

Family

Cindy and her husband Wally Auerbach have lived in North Lake Tahoe for over 40 years. They raised their three sons, Erik, Alex, and Andrew in the incredible environment of the Sierra enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, and boating.  Pictured here celebrating the wedding of Alex and Katie in September 2023.  Erik and Melissa with grandson Wylder, and a second grandchild on the way.  Andrew moved back from Seattle, and the family is now located from Grass Valley to Verdi, Nevada.  

Gallery