August 27, 2025

Grand Rapids Appoints Interim City Attorney

News Summary

The City of Grand Rapids has appointed Deputy City Attorney Philip Strom as the interim city attorney, succeeding Anita Hitchcock who is set to retire. Strom’s appointment, aimed at providing continuity after Hitchcock’s lengthy service, is expected to be finalized at an upcoming City Commission meeting. A community reception honoring Hitchcock is planned for September, while the search for a permanent city attorney will involve internal and external candidates. Strom’s extensive experience in the legal field positions him well for this transitional role.

Grand Rapids has appointed Deputy City Attorney Philip Strom as the interim city attorney, succeeding Anita Hitchcock, who will retire on September 2 after 26 years of service to the city. The Grand Rapids City Commission is set to finalize Strom’s appointment during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 26, at 7 p.m. He will officially take on the new role on September 3.

Strom brings extensive experience to his interim position, having served as the deputy city attorney for the past six years. His appointment aims to ensure a seamless transition following Hitchcock’s departure. City Manager Mark Washington announced that a larger community reception is planned for September 10 to honor Hitchcock’s contributions to the city, and a smaller reception was held after a recent committee meeting.

The search for a permanent city attorney has not yet commenced, with Mayor David LaGrand indicating that the process may consider both internal and external candidates. This transition period allows the city to re-evaluate the department’s vision and leadership. The city attorney manages all legal affairs in Grand Rapids, overseeing a team of 17 attorneys and administrative staff, supported by a departmental budget of $3 million.

Before joining Grand Rapids, Strom’s career included roles as the prosecuting attorney for Delta County and later as the county administrator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University. Under Hitchcock’s leadership since 2016, the city attorney’s office has focused on initiatives including police reform, emphasizing a shift toward restorative justice practices.

Hitchcock began her career with the city in 2002 as an assistant city attorney, eventually progressing to director of the Enforcement Division. She has received recognition for her leadership on several initiatives, including the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force and various municipal projects. Both Mayor LaGrand and City Manager Washington have expressed their gratitude for Hitchcock’s dedication and the mentorship she provided within the legal profession.

As the city prepares for this leadership change, Hickcocks’ legacy includes a commitment to building a talented team within the Department of Law, which she emphasized with pride as she prepares to retire. The city of Grand Rapids looks forward to the opportunity for new leadership while reflecting on the positive impacts made during Hitchcock’s long tenure.

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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.

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