The city attorney’s office in Grand Rapids has a familiar face at its helm. After months of interim leadership, Philip Strom has officially been chosen to guide the city’s Department of Law, a role he knows intimately and a community he calls home.
The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously selected Strom on Thursday, also authorizing the Human Resources Department to begin negotiating an employment contract. His appointment is the culmination of a public process that included community-submitted questions, a public forum, finalist interviews, and open deliberations.
“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. His deep connection to Grand Rapids and to our legal community is a real asset. His service as president of the Grand Rapids Bar Association helps elevate the prestige of our organization, which is important as we work to attract talented attorneys. Above all, I appreciate how Phil engages with each of us individually. He listens, he understands our different styles, and he’s committed to working with the entire Commission in a thoughtful and collaborative way.”
Strom has served as interim city attorney since September 2025, providing comprehensive legal and policy guidance to the City Commission and executive leadership. Prior to that, he spent six years as deputy city attorney, overseeing three legal divisions, coordinating FOIA operations, and managing major initiatives involving litigation, labor relations, citywide policy, and emergency operations.
His career also includes executive leadership roles in Delta County, where he served as county administrator and chief financial officer, and as the elected prosecuting attorney. Strom also served as an elected trustee for Bay College in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Upon his selection, Strom thanked his wife, children, extended family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. He thanked the City Commission for its thorough selection process and saluted his two other candidates for their commitment.
“I’m deeply honored to be selected as city attorney for Grand Rapids. 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. We have an exceptional team in the Department of Law, and I’m committed to supporting and strengthening that team so we can continue delivering the high‑quality legal services our residents and organization deserve.
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.”
Strom is active in professional and community organizations, including serving as president-elect of the Grand Rapids Bar Association. He lives in Eastown with his family.
