Metro chief operating officer Martha Bennett announced today that Clackamas County administrator Steve Wheeler will serve as Metro's interim director of planning and development. Wheeler will begin his work with Metro on July 17.
"Steve Wheeler brings decades of local government and management experience to Metro. His local experience, knowledge and relationships will help ensure our major projects stay on track," Bennett said. "He will provide a calm and experienced hand on the wheel while we conduct a national search for a new planning director."
Wheeler has worked as Clackamas County administrator since December 2010. He was responsible for preparing and presenting the county's $738 million budget, opening new public facilities, leading service delivery improvements and implementing several projects designed to make Clackamas County services and elected officials more accessible to everyone.
Prior to working at Clackamas County, Steve was the city manager of Tualatin and the assistant city manager of Santee, Calif. In those jobs, Steve managed and implemented projects to expand transit services and other transportation projects. He also helped lead a number of economic development initiatives.
Bennett said Wheeler's deep experience with local issues will help Metro continue its work to improve the region and make local communities better and stronger.
"Steve understands the importance of focusing instead on on-the-ground support for community-based projects that protect our farms and forests, create good jobs now and in the future and that make the most of our existing downtowns and main streets," Bennett said.
Metro has also made it roughly halfway through its region-wide look at reducing tailpipe emissions, the Climate Smart Communities project, as well as taking a community-wide approach to studying how people get around in the southwest part of the region. It recently completed a similar plan in east Multnomah County, and is about to launch a study of transit along Powell Boulevard and Division Street in Portland and Gresham.
Wheeler received his Master of Public Administration from San Diego State University. He did his undergraduate work at Duke University.
"I'm excited Steve will be joining the Metro team. Our entire region will benefit from his experience, leadership and relationships," Bennett said.
"I'm excited to do this. I hope I can be a positive force. I look forward to bringing my local experience to the regional table," Wheeler said.