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Montgomery County announces new CIO, Norristown housing groundbreaking and Earth Day Sustainability Marketplace
Summary
Commissioners introduced Mark Wheeler as the county's new chief information officer, invited the public to a March 24 Norristown supportive-housing groundbreaking and announced an April 22 Sustainability Marketplace and planned regional solar RFP during the March 19 meeting.
Montgomery County commissioners on March 19 introduced Mark Wheeler as the county’s new chief information officer and used the meeting to preview several county initiatives, including a supportive-housing groundbreaking in Norristown and an Earth Day Sustainability Marketplace.
"Mark has a strong track record leading innovation and data governance and AI integration," the chair said, introducing Wheeler and noting his prior roles in federal Centers of Excellence and city government. The board said Wheeler will lead the county’s data and technology work as the county expands digital services.
Commissioners also announced a March 24 groundbreaking for a new short-term supportive housing facility in Norristown, following a successful zoning hearing board process. County staff and local advocates collaborated on the project, the chair said.
For Earth Day, the board promoted the first-ever Sustainability Marketplace, scheduled April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. along Swede Street between One Montgomery Plaza and the courthouse. The free event will showcase locally made, sustainable goods; vendor applications are due March 31.
In related business, commissioners voted to advertise regional RFPs for solar energy projects in partnership with Chester, Bucks and Delaware counties, covering 15 county-owned sites. One commissioner estimated long-term savings of about $11 million over 25 years if the initiative proceeds to procurement.
No contracts were awarded during the announcements; the board described the sustainability steps as part of a broader effort to reduce energy costs and expand county renewable-energy capacity.
