Met Council chair to step down in September

Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle retiring

On Tuesday, Gov. Tim Walz announced that Charlie Zelle, the chair of the Metropolitan Council, will retire and leave his position on Sept. 10.

Zelle was appointed as the chair of the Met Council in January 2020. He also serves as the chairman of Jefferson Lines and previously was the president and CEO of the bus company for more than 20 years.

In 2012, Zelle was appointed the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, overseeing the large state agency.

“Chair Zelle’s years of public service have made a lasting impact on not only the Met Council but public transportation and infrastructure across Minnesota,” said Walz in a statement. “His service has positioned the council and our state for continued success and innovation. I wish Chair Zelle all the best in his retirement, and I thank him for years of tireless work and public service.”

Walz said his accomplishments while the Met Council chair include the approval of Imagine 2050, funding and scheduling for the Green Line expansion and securing the largest investment in transit infrastructure from the legislature.

RELATED: Met Council looks to Twin Cities future in 2050

However, while Met Council chair, he has also been at the center of the long battle for building and funding the Southwest Light Rail.

In April, a years-long audit of the construction of the embattled Southwest Light Rail line concluded the Met Council had issues with “non-compliance” and a lack of “internal controls” managing the mega project, which is now expected to cost taxpayers $2.86 billion.

RELATED: Lawmakers lay into Met Council after new audit of Southwest Light Rail cost overruns

An interim chair for the Met Council has not been named yet, but Walz’s office says plans will be determined over the coming months and will provide updates as decisions are made.

RELATED: State senator says the time is right to let voters choose Met Council members

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