City Attorney Announces Resignation
Traverse City, MI — The City of Traverse City announces that City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht has submitted her resignation today, March 24, 2026, providing the required 90-day notice in accordance with her contract. Her final day with the City will be in June 2026.
“Over the next 90 days, I am committed to working with the City Manager and staff to ensure a smooth transition. This is a decision I made independently and one that I believe is right for me. Public service is in my DNA, and I look forward to remaining in Traverse City and continuing to contribute in other capacities. It has been a tremendous honor to represent the City for nearly 15 years. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated public servants and am proud of all that we have accomplished together,” said City Attorney Lauren Trible-Laucht.
Lauren has served as City Attorney since 2011, providing legal counsel and representation to the City Commission and the organization. During her tenure, she successfully represented the City in appellate matters, with 100% of those cases decided unanimously in the City’s favor.
Mayor Amy Shamroe stated, “I am saddened to see the resignation of Lauren Trible-Laucht, and deeply grateful for the years she has dedicated to the City. She has been a steadfast and trusted City Attorney, bringing a sharp legal mind and unwavering commitment to public service. Her leadership, including serving as President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, reflects the high level of respect she has earned in the field. The City has been fortunate to have her serve for so many years.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Laura Ness stated, “Lauren has helped guide the City Commission, staff, and community with integrity and care for over 15 years. On a personal and professional level, I will miss her steady council and deep institutional knowledge. I am grateful to Lauren for her years of public service and the lasting contributions she has made to Traverse City. I wish her the very best in her next chapter."
In addition to her service to the City, Lauren has held several leadership roles within the legal community, including serving as President of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and as a board member of the Michigan Municipal League Legal Defense Fund. She is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and Wayne State University Law School, where she graduated with honors.
Lauren also helped bring sessions of the Michigan Supreme Court to the region, providing local high school students with the opportunity to observe court proceedings and engage in the judicial process.
City Manager Benjamin Marentette stated, "Lauren Trible-Laucht has served this passionate, vocal community as City Attorney through incredibly-dynamic times since she began service on October 31, 2011. The City Attorney's role is to provide sound legal advice to the City Commission, City Manager, department heads, and the boards and committees that power city government, regardless of whether that advice is popular. The City Attorney is also responsible for carrying forward direction given by a majority of the City Commission and vigorously working to accomplish that directive on behalf of the people of Traverse City through their elected leaders. Lauren's magnificent skill as an attorney is unequivocally demonstrated by her winning every case unanimously on appeal in higher courts. That speaks volumes. Lauren is bright, possesses the most razor-sharp moral compass anyone could desire, and is strategic and genuine. I have witnessed, closely, Lauren's brains, heart, character, integrity, devotion and drive, which have helped our community achieve amazing things since she first arrived. I - and the entire leadership team wish Lauren nothing but the very best. I'll miss working with such a talented individual who has served as our chief legal counsel with distinction."
Lauren will continue in her role over the next 90 days and is committed to supporting a smooth and orderly transition. The City Commission will consider next steps regarding the position at a future meeting, with a date to be determined.