Grand Rapids City Attorney Anita Hitchcock has announced that she will retire Sept. 2, following more than two decades of dedicated service to the City of Grand Rapids.
Hitchcock began her career with the city back in 2002 as an assistant city attorney in the Enforcement Division of the Department of Law and was later appointed director of that division. Following a nationwide search in 2016, she was then appointed as city attorney, where she oversaw all legal affairs of the City, managing a department of 17 attorneys and administrative staff, as well as taking responsibility for a $3 million departmental budget.
In a news release, Mayor David LaGrand praised Hitchcock’s legacy, noting her deep commitment to justice, to the city and its residents.
“It is with a profound sense of gratitude and a touch of sadness that we acknowledge the retirement of our esteemed city attorney, Anita Hitchcock,” LaGrand said. “For many years, Anita has been a tireless champion for justice, dedicating her career to making Grand Rapids a more just and equitable community for all our residents."
“We will deeply miss her insightful guidance and her steadfast commitment to excellence. On behalf of the entire City staff, I extend our heartfelt gratitude and wish her a truly wonderful retirement.”
The Grand Rapids City Commission will discuss next steps for the city attorney role in the coming weeks.