Walz appoints Robin Hutcheson Met Council chair
Gov. Tim Walz named former Minneapolis Public Works Director Robin Hutcheson as chair of the Metropolitan Council, with Hutcheson set to take over in December following Charlie Zelle’s departure; interim chair Deb Barber has been overseeing the agency. Hutcheson, whose term runs through Jan. 4, 2027, previously held senior roles at USDOT and FMCSA and led Minneapolis Public Works from 2016–2021, positioning her to steer regional transit, housing and infrastructure planning across the Twin Cities.
Local Government
Transit & Infrastructure
📌 Key Facts
- Appointment announced Nov. 4, 2025; Hutcheson assumes the role in December
- Term ends Jan. 4, 2027; replaces former chair Charlie Zelle (interim chair Deb Barber serving now)
- Hutcheson background: Minneapolis Public Works director (2016–2021), USDOT deputy assistant secretary for safety policy, FMCSA acting administrator