July 19, 2023

Garden Grove City Manager Lisa Kim has named Ursula Luna-Reynosa as Garden Grove’s new Economic Development Director. Luna-Reynosa, a 24-year professional in community and economic development, most recently served as Community Development Director for the City of Huntington Beach. She begins her new position with the City of Garden Grove on Monday, August 21, 2023.

“I’m deeply impressed with Ursula’s professional experience and accomplishments leading economic and community development activities for recognized cities in Orange County. She brings strong talent and determination to Garden Grove’s many economic development projects and endeavors, which are some of the most robust in Southern California,” said Kim.

As Economic Development Director, Luna-Reynosa will be responsible for the daily operation of the City’s Office of Economic Development, Housing Authority, and Neighborhood Improvement Division.

“Garden Grove is a special place that has the vision and leadership to continue achieving great things for its residents, businesses, and visitors. I’m excited to be part of the team that drives Garden Grove’s many successes,” said Luna-Reynosa.

As Community Development Director for the City of Huntington Beach, Luna-Reynosa managed several key economic and community development projects that included the creation of permanent supportive housing, homeless shelter, online submittal/plan check system, and facilitation of the Downtown Dreamin’ community-based workshops for streetscape design.

Luna-Reynosa began her economic development career in Northern California, starting with the City of Pittsburg, where she became the Redevelopment Project Manager before accepting the position of Economic Development Director for the City of Tracy. She later joined the City of Vallejo as Economic Development Director. In 2013, she returned to her hometown of Dana Point to serve as Community Development Director for that city, before moving to the City of Huntington Beach in 2018 as Community Development Director.

Luna-Reynosa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from UC Riverside. She is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional and previously served as a board member for the California Association of Enterprise Zones. She holds membership in a number of professional organizations, including the American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, International Council of Shopping Centers, and the California Economic Development Association.

She and her high school sweetheart reside in Dana Point with her four children and Rhodesian Ridgeback. She enjoys running, reading, surfing, playing beach volleyball, and spending time with her family.