Mayor Rex Richardson and members of the Long Beach City Council gathered Dec. 16 to honor Mario Cordero, chief executive officer of the Port of Long Beach, who announced his retirement. The mayor presented Cordero with a city citation and praised his role expanding mitigation grants, advancing air-quality work and establishing the port as “a model for clean operations.”

Cordero, who has led port efforts since 2003, thanked the city and framed the port’s accomplishments as a collaborative achievement. “We may have a record year this year,” he said, noting that “2024, we moved 9,600,000 containers,” and adding that the port’s work combined cargo growth with environmental initiatives.

Councilmembers from across the dais highlighted Cordero’s emphasis on community partnership and sustainability. Vice Mayor Yuranga recalled personal memories and Cordero’s service in civic organizations; Councilmember Kerr noted his local ties and mentorship; others cited the green port policy and infrastructure investments. City Manager Modica singled out the port’s assistance during the COVID-19 response and collaboration on projects such as the Colorado Lagoon restoration.

The council’s remarks emphasized three measures Cordero said define the port’s success: cargo volume, emission reductions and community reinvestment. Cordero credited staff and Harbor Commission policy direction for the achievements and urged continued focus on sustainability and neighborhood benefits.

The council invited Cordero and his family to join members for a photo and presented certificates and a handmade commemorative box from the city; the ceremony concluded with applause and an invitation for the community to connect with the port’s future leadership.