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 has served as the city attorney since 2016. She shared the news of her impending retirement in a message to her colleagues, expressing gratitude for her 23-year career with the city and the relationships she has built along the way.
“Through the good times and the challenging ones, I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people, and that includes you,” Hitchcock wrote. “I have memories that I will cherish and ones that I hope to forget, but through it all, I have enjoyed working for the City of Grand Rapids and our collective efforts to make a difference in our community.”
Hitchcock began her career with the city 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, the City Commission appointed her as city attorney. In her role, she oversees all legal affairs of the city, manages a department of 17 attorneys and administrative staff, and is responsible for a $3 million departmental budget.
Hitchcock is known for her leadership in criminal prosecution, public policy and equity-focused initiatives, and has played a key role in police reform efforts as well as the city’s commitment to bias-free policing. In 2018, she oversaw the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force while working in collaboration with 21st Century Policing Solutions LLC, whose principal facilitated the Presidential Policing Task Force established by President Barack Obama. Hitchcock was also pivotal in shifting the division from a prosecutorial mindset to one focused on restorative justice.
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.
“Her leadership and legal counsel on initiatives like the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force, multiple municipal projects, high-profile civil litigation and the creation of efficiencies within our legal department truly embody her unwavering commitment to seeking collaborative and innovative solutions to make our community safer while leading with care and compassion for those more greatly impacted within our community.
“Anita’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of City Hall. She has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of legal professionals, generously sharing her expertise by teaching and mentoring countless law students at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Her dedication to promoting diversity within the legal system, recognized by many prestigious accolades, underscores her significant contributions to the future of the legal profession.
“Throughout her remarkable tenure, Anita has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and an unparalleled commitment to public service. Her meticulous management of the City Attorney’s Office, her strategic approach to complex legal challenges, and her deep-seated belief in community involvement have left an indelible and positive mark on our city. We extend our deepest thanks to Anita for her dedicated service, and it has been a truly personal pleasure to have worked with her these many years,” he concluded.
City Manager Mark Washington also praised Hitchcock’s decades of service and leadership, calling her tenure “the end of an era” marked by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the City.
“It has been an immense privilege to work alongside City Attorney Anita Hitchcock,” Washington said. “Her retirement marks the end of an era defined by exceptional leadership, impeccable professionalism, and a profound dedication to the City of Grand Rapids.
“Anita’s strategic acumen and her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes have been invaluable in advising and managing the City’s affairs. She has consistently provided sound counsel to me, the City Commission, the Mayor and all departments, ensuring that our decisions are not only legally sound but also serve the best interests of our community.
“Anita’s leadership of the City Attorney’s Office has been exemplary. She has fostered a team of highly skilled and dedicated legal professionals, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and service. Beyond her legal expertise, her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and her tireless work ethic have been a cornerstone of our City’s operations.
“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.”
Hitchcock expressed confidence in her team and a smooth transition ahead.
“I have built an awesome, hardworking, committed, professional and highly intelligent team that I am very proud of,” she said. “I am at peace knowing that I am leaving the Department of Law in good hands.”
Hitchcock is a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. She attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned 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 is a past president of the Floyd Skinner Bar Association.
In recognition of her commitment to justice and diversity in the legal system, Hitchcock has received numerous awards, including:
• 2025 Donald R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award for extraordinary service contributions to the bar, profession and community
• 2022 50 Most Influential Women Award for community involvement, leadership and mentoring
• 2020 Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award for extraordinary governmental service
• 2013 Giants Floyd Skinner Justice Award for exemplary leadership and contributions to the Grand Rapids legal community
• 2011 Legacy Ball Award for commitment to African American legacy and promoting diversity in the justice system
The Grand Rapids City Commission will discuss next steps for the city attorney role in the coming weeks.
Hitchcock has served as the city attorney since 2016. She shared the news of her impending retirement in a message to her colleagues, expressing gratitude for her 23-year career with the city and the relationships she has built along the way.
“Through the good times and the challenging ones, I have been blessed to work with some wonderful people, and that includes you,” Hitchcock wrote. “I have memories that I will cherish and ones that I hope to forget, but through it all, I have enjoyed working for the City of Grand Rapids and our collective efforts to make a difference in our community.”
Hitchcock began her career with the city 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, the City Commission appointed her as city attorney. In her role, she oversees all legal affairs of the city, manages a department of 17 attorneys and administrative staff, and is responsible for a $3 million departmental budget.
Hitchcock is known for her leadership in criminal prosecution, public policy and equity-focused initiatives, and has played a key role in police reform efforts as well as the city’s commitment to bias-free policing. In 2018, she oversaw the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force while working in collaboration with 21st Century Policing Solutions LLC, whose principal facilitated the Presidential Policing Task Force established by President Barack Obama. Hitchcock was also pivotal in shifting the division from a prosecutorial mindset to one focused on restorative justice.
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.
“Her leadership and legal counsel on initiatives like the Police Policy and Procedure Task Force, multiple municipal projects, high-profile civil litigation and the creation of efficiencies within our legal department truly embody her unwavering commitment to seeking collaborative and innovative solutions to make our community safer while leading with care and compassion for those more greatly impacted within our community.
“Anita’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of City Hall. She has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of legal professionals, generously sharing her expertise by teaching and mentoring countless law students at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Her dedication to promoting diversity within the legal system, recognized by many prestigious accolades, underscores her significant contributions to the future of the legal profession.
“Throughout her remarkable tenure, Anita has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and an unparalleled commitment to public service. Her meticulous management of the City Attorney’s Office, her strategic approach to complex legal challenges, and her deep-seated belief in community involvement have left an indelible and positive mark on our city. We extend our deepest thanks to Anita for her dedicated service, and it has been a truly personal pleasure to have worked with her these many years,” he concluded.
City Manager Mark Washington also praised Hitchcock’s decades of service and leadership, calling her tenure “the end of an era” marked by professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the City.
“It has been an immense privilege to work alongside City Attorney Anita Hitchcock,” Washington said. “Her retirement marks the end of an era defined by exceptional leadership, impeccable professionalism, and a profound dedication to the City of Grand Rapids.
“Anita’s strategic acumen and her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes have been invaluable in advising and managing the City’s affairs. She has consistently provided sound counsel to me, the City Commission, the Mayor and all departments, ensuring that our decisions are not only legally sound but also serve the best interests of our community.
“Anita’s leadership of the City Attorney’s Office has been exemplary. She has fostered a team of highly skilled and dedicated legal professionals, maintaining the highest standards of integrity and service. Beyond her legal expertise, her commitment to fostering a collaborative environment and her tireless work ethic have been a cornerstone of our City’s operations.
“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.”
Hitchcock expressed confidence in her team and a smooth transition ahead.
“I have built an awesome, hardworking, committed, professional and highly intelligent team that I am very proud of,” she said. “I am at peace knowing that I am leaving the Department of Law in good hands.”
Hitchcock is a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. She attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned 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 is a past president of the Floyd Skinner Bar Association.
In recognition of her commitment to justice and diversity in the legal system, Hitchcock has received numerous awards, including:
• 2025 Donald R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award for extraordinary service contributions to the bar, profession and community
• 2022 50 Most Influential Women Award for community involvement, leadership and mentoring
• 2020 Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award for extraordinary governmental service
• 2013 Giants Floyd Skinner Justice Award for exemplary leadership and contributions to the Grand Rapids legal community
• 2011 Legacy Ball Award for commitment to African American legacy and promoting diversity in the justice system
The Grand Rapids City Commission will discuss next steps for the city attorney role in the coming weeks.
