CHICAGO — Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot today announced that Beth Beatty will serve as the City of Chicago’s Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs effective September 6, succeeding Manuel Perez who has served in the administration since the transition, and in the role since September 2020. In this role, Beatty will lead Mayor Lightfoot’s priorities at the City, State, and Federal levels. Prior to becoming Deputy Mayor, Beatty served as the Managing Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and has extensive experience working and negotiating with members of City Council, having served as Legislative Counsel under Mayor Rahm Emanuel in the Office of Legislative Counsel and Government Affairs.  

"It is my top priority to pass and advocate for transformative and equitable legislation at all levels of government that will positively impact residents of our city,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “With almost 20 years of experience working with members of our City Council, Beth brings an impressive resume and a deep passion for public service. I have full confidence in Beth’s ability to lead the Intergovernmental Affairs team. I also want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Manny for his relentless efforts on behalf of our city and its residents. Manny championed some of the biggest milestones for my administration, including multiple budgets, the Chicago Casino, and Civilian Oversight of police, and I am grateful for his efforts.”  

“I am honored and thrilled to take on such an important role,” said Beth Beatty. “This is an amazing opportunity for me to support Mayor Lightfoot’s track record of advocating for stronger neighborhoods and social and economic growth for our residents.”   

Prior to rejoining the Intergovernmental Affairs team earlier this year, Beatty served as Deputy Director of Financial Policy in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer, where she helped to negotiate and manage contracts totaling over $3.5 billion in value. 

Beatty began her City Hall career as a policy analyst for Alderman Gene Schulter, and worked for Alderman Debra Silverstein and President Pro Tempore Margaret Laurino. Prior to that, she served as a Law Clerk for the Illinois Supreme Court’s Third Judicial District.  

Beatty holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College and a Juris Doctor Degree from The John Marshall Law School.  

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