CHICAGO – Wednesday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the Chicago City Council approval of Ivan Capifali to serve as the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Capifali, who served as BACP First Deputy Commissioner since 2022, and BACP Acting Commissioner since July 2024, will be charged with leading BACP’s primary efforts to ensure a fair and vibrant marketplace for businesses, workers and consumers.  

 “Ivan’s tenure with the City of Chicago ensures continuity within BACP operations, allowing for a seamless transition and progress of key initiatives,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Chicago prides itself on innovation and resiliency in the business community. With this confirmation, we can keep momentum and support the city’s current and future business owners, the heart and soul of our neighborhoods.”  

 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 deeply honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading BACP,” said Ivan Capifali, BACP Commissioner. “My commitment is to ensure collaboration among businesses, workers and consumers to promote fair and sustainable growth in our local economy. Through accessible resources and strong business support, BACP can identify new opportunities for entrepreneurs and create thriving commercial corridors. I look forward to building on the accomplishments already achieved under the Mayor Johnson administration.” 

 Mr. Capifali has served the City of Chicago for over 28 years. In his eight years with BACP, Mr. Capifali has developed a deep understanding of divisions, key stakeholders and partner agencies. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Capifali served as BACP First Deputy Commissioner where he oversaw day-to-day operations for the department. Additionally, he served as BACP Managing Deputy Commissioner, where directed the department’s finance and administration divisions. Mr. Capifali also served as BACP Deputy Commissioner, where he spearheaded the Business Compliance and Enforcement division, launching Chicago’s first Nights and Weekends team to enhance regulatory compliance and implementing the innovative Active Compliance Program, a nonpunitive educational strategy ensuring business adherence to regulations. Before joining BACP, Mr. Capifali served in the Chicago Department of Environment and the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control.  

 Mr. Capifali holds degrees in Environmental Management and Criminal Justice from Northeastern Illinois University, and an MBA from Northern Illinois University. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge. 

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