Grand Rapids City Commission Promotes Philip Strom to City Attorney After Successful Interim Tenure

By Grand Rapids Press Wire

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids will be led by a new city attorney, as commissioners unanimously selected Philip Strom to lead the city's legal department in a permanent role.

Strom, who has been serving as interim city attorney since September 2025, will continue his work overseeing the city's FOIA operations, litigation division, and labor relations after spending six years as deputy city attorney.

The promotion comes after Strom built a strong track record in the position, representing the city in numerous high-profile cases and managing the department during a busy period of legal challenges.

"Phil brings an exceptional blend of commitment, experience and leadership to this role," said Mayor David LaGrand. "His background before joining the City was remarkably broad, and it uniquely prepared him for the work he's doing today. I was especially struck by the way he talks about leadership. He truly sees the Department of Law as an extension of his professional family."

Strom's career in Grand Rapids has been marked by consistent dedication to the city's legal interests and public service. His work has spanned multiple areas of municipal law, from representing the city in civil litigation to managing labor relations with city employees.

Before coming to Grand Rapids, Strom worked in Delta County in multiple leadership positions, including county administrator, chief financial officer, and prosecuting attorney. This diverse background has given him a well-rounded perspective on government operations at the county level.

"I'm deeply honored to be selected as city attorney for Grand Rapids," Strom said in a statement. "I'm incredibly proud of my service to this community over the past several years, both as deputy city attorney and during my time as interim city attorney. I am committed to carrying forward the premier leadership that has been established by my friend and mentor, Anita Hitchcock. Looking ahead, I'm excited for the future of our department."

Strom, who is also the president-elect of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, emphasized his commitment to listening to the community, clients, and staff. He noted that the principles guiding his work will continue into his new role.

"Above all, I remain committed to listening — to our community, to our clients and to our staff. Those principles have guided our work, and they will continue to guide me in this role. By staying true to those values and preparing thoughtfully for the future, I'm confident we can continue to provide excellent service to the City of Grand Rapids for years to come."

Contract details between the city and Strom are still being finalized, according to a release from the city. The appointment was made during a regular City Commission meeting, reflecting the unanimous support of the commission for Strom's continued leadership.

The Grand Rapids Bar Association, which Strom will lead as president-elect, has long sought to attract quality legal professionals to the city. Strom's selection as city attorney underscores the department's commitment to excellence in municipal legal representation.

What's Next

As Strom settles into his permanent role, the city's legal team will continue to represent Grand Rapids in various matters, from civil litigation to labor disputes. The department's work will be critical in ensuring the city's interests are protected while maintaining strong relationships with the community.

Commissioners praised Strom's performance during his interim tenure and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the department in the long term. The commission's unanimous vote reflects the strong support Strom has built within the city government.

Strom's appointment marks a significant moment for Grand Rapids' legal operations, as the city continues to build on the foundation established by previous leadership. His diverse background and proven track record position him well to guide the department through upcoming challenges.