Luis Portillo has been appointed as San Bernardino’s new director of the San Bernardino Economic Development Department, city officials said Wednesday.
Portillo began his tenure July 6.
“Luis brings a record of collaboration, strategic leadership and economic development experience that will be valuable as San Bernardino continues to build on its momentum,” City Manager Eric Levitt said in a statement. “His understanding of the Inland Empire, relationships with regional partners and track record of helping businesses will support the city’s efforts to create jobs, attract investment and revitalize key areas of San Bernardino.”
With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, regional partnerships, public policy and corporate affairs, Portillo’s has also served in leadership positions with regional economic partnership organizations, the state government and the private sector. San Bernardino officials said his focus has been on strengthening business climates, building public-private partnerships and advancing long-term economic competitiveness.
Portillo most recently was president and chief executive officer of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. In that position he oversaw regional strategy and stakeholder engagement across 31 cities.
At SGVEP, Portillo established the San Gabriel Valley Business City Connect program, which fostered collaboration among city leaders, businesses and developers to create development opportunities and strengthen regional connections.
Portillo has also served as the public policy director for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, where he worked with lawmakers to develop state and federal legislation affecting Inland Empire businesses. He helped establish the Inland Empire Chamber Alliance that brought together more than 20 chambers of commerce from San Bernardino and Riverside counties to advance issue advocacy, business retention goals and economic development priorities.
Other professional experience includes service as senior legislative analyst for corporate public affairs at energy giant Edison International based in Rosemead, director of the Governor’s Office of Constituent Affairs and assistant deputy director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Division of Legislative and Policy Review.
Portillo has two degrees in business administration from California State University, San Bernardino.
“I am honored to join the city of San Bernardino and contribute to a community with such tremendous assets and opportunity,” Portillo said in a statement. “San Bernardino is positioned for growth, with its transportation infrastructure, workforce, and major redevelopment opportunities. I look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council, city leadership, businesses, developers, residents and regional partners to advance investment, job creation and the local economy.”
Officials said the city’s economic development strategy is focused on strategic logistics, downtown revitalization and business attraction. San Bernardino’s location along the 10, 215 and 210 freeways, combined with being the base for the San Bernardino International Airport and BNSF Intermodal Yard, positions the city as a key regional hub for logistics, manufacturing and distribution.
The city is also moving forward with major development and revitalization initiatives, including the redevelopment of the 42-acre Carousel Mall site in downtown San Bernardino, the Arden-Guthrie commercial site near Highland Avenue and the 210 Freeway, plus the implementation of the city’s soon to be adopted 2050 General Plan, officials said.