Office of the City Attorney

City Attorney Anita Hitchcock oversees a law department of 17 attorneys and administrative staff, which requires solid problem solving skills while using sound judgment and an ability to be patient while honing a great skill of multi-tasking.  Want to know more about our City Attorney?

City Attorney Anita Hitchcock

Municipal Affairs Division - provides legal advice and counsel to the Mayor, City Commissioners, City Manager and all departments, Boards and Commissions of the City. 616-456-3181 

Civil Litigation Division - defends the City, its officers and employees in State and Federal lawsuits and administrative proceedings. 616-456-3181

Freedom of Information Act Coordinator -manages receipt and response to all Freedom of Information Act requests. 616-456-3181

Enforcement Division - prosecutes City Ordinance violations in Grand Rapids District and Kent County Juvenile Courts and provide training and consultation to City Departments which enforce ordinances. 616-456-3388

Looking to request copies of City records? The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request copies or access to most City records.

Freedom Of Information Act Form (FOIA)

We designed our form to collect the information we need to process your request. Still, you might want more details about our FOIA process. That's why we publish our Freedom of Information Act Procedures and Guidelines online.

Were you injured on City property or by a City vehicle? Did you hit a pothole and damage your vehicle? Was there a sewage backup into your basement? You may be eligible for a reimbursement of expenses for any of these situations.

File a Claim with the City

The City of Grand Rapids charter is a legal document establishing our municipality as a city. Municipal Code Corporation (Municode) publishes the City Grand Rapids legal documents.

Visit Municode to view the City Charter:  

 City of Grand Rapids Charter

The city of Grand rapids has rules, regulations, and codes enacted into law by our governing body the City Commission.

Grand Rapids City Codes - Municode

The Office of the City Manager develops policies which align to the oversight of City operations.  

Looking for a specific policy? Use the search "By Phrase or Keyword" option. 

Administrative Policies

The Commission has its own set of polices.  Looking for a specific policy? Use the search "By Phrase or Keyword" option.  

City Commission Policies