Walz appoints Robin Hutcheson Met Council chair
Gov. Tim Walz appointed transit specialist Robin Hutcheson as chair of the Metropolitan Council, with her term beginning Dec. 1, 2025 and running through Jan. 4, 2027; she succeeds Charlie Zelle, who retired in September, and interim chair Deb Barber is currently serving. Walz called Hutcheson a "proven leader" focused on roadway safety and quality of life. Hutcheson, a former Minneapolis Public Works director and Salt Lake City transportation director, is a Senate‑confirmed former administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration who worked on the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and she also serves as a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies, runs Hutcheson Advisory, formerly led NACTO’s board, and holds degrees from CU Boulder and the University of Utah.
đź“Ś Key Facts
- Governor Tim Walz appointed Robin Hutcheson as chair of the Metropolitan Council; her start date is Dec. 1, 2025, and the term runs through Jan. 4, 2027.
- The appointment follows Charlie Zelle's retirement in September; Deb Barber is currently serving as interim chair.
- Hutcheson is a transit and roadway‑safety specialist who was Senate‑confirmed as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, overseeing trucking and interstate bus regulations.
- In her federal role Hutcheson worked closely on the bipartisan infrastructure bill and reported to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
- Walz called Hutcheson a "proven leader" focused on roadway safety and quality of life.
- Her background includes being a senior fellow at the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, running Hutcheson Advisory, serving as Salt Lake City transportation director, past presidency of the NACTO board, prior transit‑planning work with TTK GmbH in Germany, a bachelor's degree from CU Boulder and a master's from the University of Utah.
đź“° Sources (2)
- Hutcheson’s start date is Dec. 1, 2025; the term runs through Jan. 4, 2027.
- Confirms Charlie Zelle retired in September and interim chair Deb Barber is currently serving.
- Details Hutcheson’s federal role: Senate‑confirmed administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, overseeing trucking and interstate bus regulations; worked closely on the bipartisan infrastructure bill and reported to Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
- Includes Walz’s statement calling her a 'proven leader' focused on roadway safety and quality of life.
- Additional background: senior fellow at UMN’s Center for Transportation Studies; runs Hutcheson Advisory; former Salt Lake City transportation director; past NACTO board president; prior transit‑planning work with TTK GmbH in Germany; educational background (CU Boulder bachelor’s, University of Utah master’s).