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- President, Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission
- Álvaro Santos holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, a Master's degree in Spatial Planning and Environment from the Faculties of Engineering and Architecture of the University of Porto, and a PhD in Ecology and Environmental Health from Fernando Pessoa University.
He has extensive and multidisciplinary experience in local and regional development, strategic planning, urban policy, and the management of municipal projects, acquired through academic, public administration (national, regional and local), and corporate leadership roles.
Throughout his career, he has held several senior positions, including Vice-President of the Municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia (2025), Chairman of the Board of PORTO VIVO, SRU – Urban Rehabilitation Company of Porto's Historic Centre (2014–2017), Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State for the Economy and Regional Development (2011–2013), Director-General of the Office for Studies and Planning at the Ministry of Cities, Spatial Planning and Environment (2003–2005), consultant to the Northern Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR-Norte), expert for the European Union's Committee of the Regions, university lecturer at several higher education institutions, and board member and consultant to various companies.
He is the author of Urban Rehabilitation and the Sustainability of Cities (2018), and co-author of Local Housing Policies (2023) and Affordable Housing Policies in Northern Portugal and Europe (2025), all published by Vida Económica.
He currently serves as President of the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR NORTE). He is also Chair of the Managing Authority of the NORTE 2030 Regional Programme and Programme Manager of the Interreg Atlantic Area transnational cooperation programme.
