[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 148 (Wednesday, September 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6536]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO CHARLIE ZELLE

 Ms. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Charlie Zelle, 
who is retiring today from his role as chair of the Metropolitan 
Council in Minnesota.
  Charlie has been a visionary leader for Minnesota. His leadership has 
transformed our State's infrastructure and allowed us to flourish as a 
hub of industry and prosperity, and generations of Minnesotans will 
benefit from his legacy.
  Charlie's passion for transportation is rooted in the family 
business, Jefferson Lines intercity buses, of which he remains 
chairman. He was born and raised in Saint Paul and received a B.A. from 
Bates College and an M.B.A. from the Yale School of Management. He has 
been recognized for his work in transportation policy as a recipient of 
the George Rucker Award by the Community Transportation Association and 
the Ray L. Lappegaard Distinguished Service Award by the Center of 
Transportation Studies.
  In addition, Charlie has been a hilarious and enthusiastic friend to 
Archie and me, an energetic and loving husband and dad to his family, 
and an active and engaged member of Minnesota's civic and arts 
community.
  Since 2020, Charlie has chaired the Metropolitan Council, the 
regional planning and policy organization which works with local 
governments to provide essential services to the Twin Cities metro 
area, including transit, clean water, parklands, and housing planning. 
The lives of millions of Minnesotans are better by Met Council's 
services and Charlie's leadership. Charlie's hallmark accomplishment is 
his tireless advocacy for a robust public transit system that gets 
people to work, school, medical appointments, and fun efficiently and 
easily.
  Charlie also served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of 
Transportation for 6 years in the Dayton administration, where he 
implemented a bold, statewide vision to bring Minnesota's 
infrastructure into the 21st century. His careful stewardship of 
Federal and State resources helped repair numerous roads and bridges 
and to improve the safety, mobility, and economic vitality of Minnesota 
communities from the most rural to the most urban.
  Congratulations on your well-earned retirement, Charlie. Minnesota 
thanks you for your incredible leadership, and we look forward to 
seeing where you next chose to direct your talent and love for our 
community.

                          ____________________