CHICAGO – Today, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced the Chicago City Council approval of Kenneth J. Meyer to serve as the Commissioner of the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Meyer, who served as BACP First Deputy Commissioner since 2016, and BACP Acting Commissioner since July 2021, will be charged with leading BACP’s primary efforts to ensure a fair and vibrant marketplace for both businesses and consumers.

"Ken is a dedicated public servant with firsthand knowledge of the needs of small businesses, consumers and workers,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “He has worked tirelessly to equitably deliver economic relief to Chicago’s small businesses and is the right person to lead the department. I want to formally congratulate Ken on his new role and am excited to see how he deepens the department's commitment to the city’s post-pandemic recovery and keeping our residents safe.”

BACP oversees the processing of licenses for businesses, public vehicles and liquor establishments and issues public way use permits. Additionally, BACP protects the public from unfair and deceptive practices by investigating businesses, serves as a liaison to the small business community, provides business education and access to support services and resources, and enforces Chicago’s labor standards laws including Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, and Fair Workweek.

“I am honored to serve the City in this capacity and credit my years of service and expertise in preparing me for this role”, said Commissioner Kenneth J. Meyer. “I am incredibly proud of the work the BACP team has done to help businesses and workers navigate the pandemic. I look forward to continuing the important work of our department as well as engaging with our small business community to create a viable and inclusive post-pandemic economy.”

Meyer has served the City of Chicago for over 25 years. In his role as BACP First Deputy Commissioner, Meyer oversaw day-to-day operations for the department and was responsible for determining priorities and establishing policy with a focus on adapting regulations to the changing

business environment and consumer behavior in Chicago. He was instrumental in the development and execution of COVID-19 business relief programs, such as the bold Chi Biz Strong Initiative. Prior to joining BACP, Meyer served as the Chief of Staff for the Department of Buildings (DOB). His previous roles with the City of Chicago include serving in the office of both Mayors Emmanuel and Daley, as well the Department of General Services, now known as AIS.

Meyer is a graduate of Nasson College, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Government and English and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned his Master of Public Administration degree.

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