The City Attorney is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the City Commission for an indefinite term. The City Attorney is the chief legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager and all its officers and employees in matters relating to their offices and official duties. This office also advises, counsels and represents the Downtown Development Authority and the Garfield Township and City of Traverse City Recreational Authority on an as-needed basis.   The City Attorney’s roll as the chief legal advisor is to interpret and apply the relevant law with the primary goal of protecting the interests of the City.  The law that affects the City, which the City Attorney is charged with interpreting and applying includes the United States Constitution, Federal statutes, rules, and regulations, Federal case law, the Michigan Constitution, State statutes, rules, and regulations, State case law, the City Charter, and City Ordinances, including the Zoning Ordinance.

All requests for legal services by the City Commission, City Manager and City officers and employees are handled through this office.  While some activities of the City Attorney’s Office directly affect the public, the City Attorney cannot advise members of the public.  The primary functions of the Department are to:

1.                  Advise and provide counsel for the City Commission, City Manager, the City Boards and Commissions and all City Departments regarding relevant laws and policies.

2.                  Draft, or review drafts, of ordinances, code amendments, resolutions, agreements, legal opinions, deeds, leases, contracts, pleadings and other legal documents, as requested, to protect the City’s interests as it conducts business.

3.                  Represent the City in matters involving civil litigation, administrative tribunals, and prosecute violations of the Traverse City Code as requested.

4.                  Negotiate, or assist in the negotiation of, contracts and real estate transactions as needed.

5.                  Represent the City at meetings of the City Commission and other Commission meetings as requested.

The City Attorney’s Department consists of the City Attorney and one part-time legal assistant.