City Council Confirms Kenya Merritt as Department Of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner

The longtime public servant has previously served the City of Chicago in multiple capacities, most recently as interim DCASE Commissioner and Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development.

CHICAGO - Today, the City Council confirmed Mayor Brandon Johnson's appointment of Deputy Mayor Kenya Merritt as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). A proven civic leader with over 25 years of experience, Merritt has served as Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development since 2023 and as acting Commissioner of DCASE since October 2025.

"I want to congratulate Commissioner Kenya Merritt on her confirmation by City Council," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Kenya is a devoted public servant with extensive experience growing economic development in our communities. Her continued leadership of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will help our creative communities flourish and reinforces our commitment to make Chicago a world class arts destination."

"I am deeply grateful for my confirmation as Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and for the opportunity to continue serving the great city of Chicago," said Kenya Merritt, DCASE Commissioner. "Chicago's arts and cultural community is unmatched, and I am committed to advancing bold investments, expanding equitable access and strengthening our creative economy. Together, we will build a more connected and thriving cultural ecosystem; one that reflects the diversity, innovation and global influence of our city."

As Deputy Mayor of Business, Economic, and Neighborhood Development, Merritt led the launch and implementation of key pillars of Mayor Johnson's economic agenda including the Cut the Tape initiative, streamlining over 100 housing and commercial development processes, and played a central role in advancing Mayor Johnson's $1.25B Housing and Economic Development Bond that has allowed for investments that strengthen neighborhoods across the city.

Since stepping in the Acting Commissioner role, she has advanced a strategy that positions arts and culture as an essential driver of Chicago's economy by investing in artists and arts organizations, activating public spaces and amplifying Chicago's global footprint.

Prior to her current appointment, Deputy Mayor Merritt served as First Deputy Commissioner and Chief Small Business Officer for the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, where she executed policies and programs that supported entrepreneurs, including those in the creative industries.

Merritt previously held several key financial leadership roles within the City of Chicago, including serving as Chief Financial Officer at both DCASE and the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS). Her extensive public service career also includes leadership in early childhood programs and supporting a citywide budget strategy. Each of these roles were met with a commitment to equity, access and opportunity.

Merritt holds a Master of Science in Public Service Management from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago's 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city - to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city's most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city - serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.