Downey resident Louis Morales appointed Community Development Director in Huntington Park

The City of Huntington Park has appointed Louis Morales as its new Community Development Director after serving six months in the role on an interim basis.

Morales, a Downey resident, previously served nine years on the Downey Planning Commission and is president of the Downey Razorbacks youth football program.

Morales brings 37 years of municipal planning and economic development experience. His background includes work with the cities of Adelanto, Anaheim, Commerce, Cudahy, El Segundo, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Montebello, and San Diego. He has held senior leadership roles such as Community and Economic Development Director, Deputy City Manager in Lynwood, and Assistant City Manager in Adelanto.

His project portfolio includes the Citadel Outlets expansion in Commerce, the Plaza México redevelopment in Lynwood, and the Los Angeles Lakers’ corporate headquarters and practice facility in El Segundo. He has also provided consulting services for more than 25 Southern California cities, focusing on economic development strategy, entitlement processing, development negotiations, redevelopment planning, urban design, and housing policy.

Morales began his career in Huntington Park as a planning intern while attending Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. His appointment comes as the city begins a comprehensive update of its General Plan and Municipal Code, following recent updates to its Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety elements.

In a statement, Morales said:

“It’s an honor to return home to the city where I grew up and began my career. Huntington Park shaped my commitment to community building, and I’m eager to continue advancing projects that strengthen our neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity, and I look forward to bringing a new level of energy and enthusiasm to the City of Huntington Park.”

City Manager Ricardo Reyes said the appointment supports the city’s long-term planning goals.

“Louis represents the best of what Huntington Park stands for, an expertise rooted in local experience and a genuine commitment to progress. His steady hand as interim director and proven ability to deliver complex projects will help move the city forward as we modernize our planning framework and attract quality investment.”

Morales was raised in the Walnut Park area and attended Middleton Elementary, Gage Middle School, and Huntington Park High School. He said returning to the city where he grew up carries personal meaning as the community begins planning for future development.