Ald. Stephanie Coleman (16) speaks in favor of Kenya Merritt’s appointment as the next DCASE commissioner at an arts and culture committee meeting on April 9, 2026. [Livestream]

The City Council Committee on Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation on Thursday advanced the mayor’s appointment to serve as the next permanent head of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) after a meeting full of tense moments and frustration from alderpeople concerned about a pending lawsuit against the nominee.