News Summary
Anita Hitchcock, Grand Rapids City Attorney, announces her retirement after 23 years of service, effective September 2. Known for her leadership in legal affairs and community initiatives, Hitchcock managed a team of attorneys overseeing significant projects, including police reform. Her dedication to justice and advocacy has been recognized by the Mayor and City Manager. The city prepares to seek Hitchcock’s successor to continue her legacy of legal excellence and community engagement.
Grand Rapids City Attorney Anita Hitchcock has officially announced her retirement after 23 years of dedicated service to the city, with her last working day set for September 2. Hitchcock has held the position of city attorney since 2016 and has been a key figure in overseeing all legal affairs for Grand Rapids during her tenure.
Beginning her career with the city in 2002 as an assistant city attorney in the Enforcement Division of the Department of Law, Hitchcock quickly advanced to serve as the director of the Enforcement Division. Her appointment to city attorney followed a nationwide search for the role, reflecting her extensive expertise and experience in municipal law.
During her time as city attorney, Hitchcock managed a department consisting of 17 attorneys and administrative staff while overseeing a departmental budget of $3 million. Her leadership has been marked by significant contributions to various community initiatives, including police reform efforts aimed at implementing restorative justice practices within the Grand Rapids Police Department.
A notable achievement during her career was chairing the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force in 2018, which emphasized re-evaluating police policies and ensuring community concerns were addressed effectively. She has gained recognition for her commitment to justice, driving efforts toward creating a more equitable society for all residents of Grand Rapids.
Mayor David LaGrand commended Hitchcock for her unwavering dedication to justice throughout her career. He acknowledged her role as a “tireless champion for justice,” highlighting the impact her work has had on the community and its legal framework. Similarly, City Manager Mark Washington praised her leadership qualities, mentorship abilities, and the high standards of integrity and service she upheld during her time in office.
Throughout her career, Hitchcock has expressed pride in her team, thanking them for their hard work and professionalism. She emphasized that she built an exceptional, dedicated, and highly skilled team, which contributed to the successful legal operation of the city.
Hitchcock’s educational background includes graduating from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, earning her bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College, and receiving her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and previously served as the president of the Floyd Skinner Bar Association.
The Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to convene in the coming weeks to discuss the next steps in finding a successor for the city attorney role. The commission will likely outline a plan to ensure a smooth transition in leadership within the department, continuing the work Hitchcock has spearheaded for the city.
Anita Hitchcock’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in Grand Rapids’ legal history, as she leaves behind a legacy of advocacy, reform, and community engagement.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Grand Rapids City Attorney’s Retirement
- WZZM: Anita Hitchcock’s Retirement Announcement
- WOOD TV: City Attorney Announces Retirement
- Google Search: Grand Rapids City Attorney retirement
- Manistee News: City Contracts New Attorney
- Encyclopedia Britannica: City Attorney
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
