Mayor Johnson’s business affairs chief steps down amidst cabinet turnover

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Ivan Capifali, commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, announced his retirement after nearly two years in the role and over 30 years of city service. His departure adds to a series of recent leadership changes in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration as it navigates ongoing cabinet transitions in its second year.

Ivan Capifali, commissioner of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP), announced his retirement on Monday, marking the latest departure from Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. Capifali, a longtime city employee, took over the business affairs post in March 2025 following the retirement of his predecessor, Kenneth Meyer.

In a statement released through the mayor’s office, Capifali reflected on his more than 30 years of public service. He said his role allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s diverse communities and businesses, experiences he plans to draw upon as he transitions to a private sector entrepreneurial career.

Mayor Johnson acknowledged Capifali’s tenure, highlighting his leadership and dedication to Chicago’s business community. “I am grateful for his service and for the innumerable contributions he has made to our administration and to Chicago’s business community,” Johnson said.

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection oversees critical areas such as business licensing and regulatory inspections. Under Capifali’s leadership, the department played a key role in navigating several politically sensitive issues. These included managing tensions around alderman-led legislation that legalized video gambling terminals despite the mayor’s objections. That legislation is expected to generate $6.8 million in additional revenue for the 2026 city budget but has faced opposition from Bally’s Casino, which argues the expansion breaches its existing agreement with the city.

Capifali also oversaw the regulation of hemp products after Mayor Johnson vetoed a proposed ordinance that would have banned their sale outright. Prior to leading BACP, Capifali held posts at the Department of Environment and the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control.

Capifali’s retirement coincides with other recent leadership changes within City Hall. Also on Monday, Steve Berlin stepped down as executive director of the Chicago Board of Ethics after 33 years, leaving a position focused on ensuring ethical conduct among city officials and employees.

The turnover follows earlier resignations this year including Mayor Johnson’s budget director, Annette Guzman, and acting chief financial officer, Steve Mahr. Additionally, department heads for Human Resources, Fleet and Facility Management, and Public Health—Sandra Blakemore, Julia Hernandez-Tomlin, and Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, respectively—have all left their posts in recent months. These departures have contributed to ongoing transitions within the mayor’s cabinet as Johnson’s administration enters its second year.

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