WORCESTER—City Solicitor Michael E. Traynor is retiring on Jan. 10, 2025, concluding an impressive 37-year career with the City of Worcester. City Manager Eric D. Batista announced the news Friday, praising Traynor’s long-standing commitment to the community and his significant contributions to municipal projects and policies.
In a statement, Batista called Traynor “a talented negotiator and an expert in municipal law,” whose work shaped key economic developments benefiting Worcester for years to come.
Traynor joined the city in 1988 as an assistant city solicitor and rose through the ranks, serving as deputy city solicitor and later as city solicitor in 2020. From 2014 to 2020, he also held the role of chief development officer, during which he played a central role in bringing the WooSox Triple-A baseball team to Worcester and overseeing the development of Polar Park.
Reflecting on his career, Traynor expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city. “While I have predominantly been a city attorney, it was my tenure as chief development officer that produced the highlight of my career,” Traynor said, “being a part of the team that brought the WooSox to Worcester and the construction of Polar Park.”
In addition to his role in shaping Polar Park, Traynor contributed to numerous city initiatives, including the restoration of Union Station, redevelopment of the South Worcester Industrial Park, and negotiations for cable television licenses.
The city administration is currently exploring options for Traynor’s replacement and will announce plans before his departure.
