Overview: The City of San Bernardino appointed Luis Portillo as its new Director of Economic Development on July 6, 2026. Bringing over twenty years of experience, Portillo previously led the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership and the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. He will focus on strategic logistics, downtown revitalization, and business attraction to support the city’s ongoing development projects.
Nyla Glover
The City of San Bernardino has named Luis Portillo as its new Director of Economic Development. His service with the city began on July 6, 2026.
Portillo enters this role with over twenty years of experience in economic development, regional partnerships, public policy and corporate affairs. His background includes various leadership positions with regional economic partnership organizations, state government, and the private sector that emphasize strengthening business climates, building public-private partnerships, and advancing long-term economic competitiveness.
“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,” said City Manager Eric Levitt. “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.”
Most recently, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership (SGVEP), where he oversaw regional strategy and stakeholder engagement across 31 cities. During his time there, he launched the San Gabriel Valley Business City Connect program, bringing together city leaders, businesses, and developers to explore development opportunities and strengthen collaboration across the region.
Additionally, Portillo has served as the Director of Public Policy for the Inland Empire Economic Partnership. In this role, he worked with legislators on state and federal proposals affecting Inland Empire businesses and helped establish the Inland Empire Chamber Alliance, bringing together over 20 chambers of commerce from San Bernardino and Riverside counties to advance advocacy, business retention, and economic development priorities in the region.
The City’s economic development strategy is focused on strategic logistics, downtown revitalization, and business attraction. Strategically located along Interstate 10, Interstate 215 and State Route 210, San Bernardino serves as the home to the San Bernardino International Airport and BNSF Intermodal Yard, making it an essential regional hub for logistics, manufacturing and distribution.
The City is also advancing major development and revitalization projects, 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, and the implementation of the City’s soon to be adopted 2050 General Plan.
“I am honored to join the City of San Bernardino and contribute to a community with such tremendous assets and opportunity,” Portillo said. “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.”