Kim Grigsby Files Whistleblower Lawsuit Alleging Retaliation by Chicago DCASE Leadership

On March 24, 2026, Kim Grigsby, the former first deputy at the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), filed a whistleblower lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court alleging she was professionally isolated and stripped of duties in retaliation for reporting misconduct. The suit names the City of Chicago and Kenya Merritt, who has served as DCASE’s interim commissioner since October and was recently nominated by Mayor Brandon Johnson for permanent appointment pending City Council approval.

The complaint contends Grigsby was fired on Feb. 27 after submitting formal complaints to the City’s Office of Inspector General and Department of Human Resources and asserts violations of the Illinois Whistleblower Act. According to the filing, Grigsby was told on Feb. 19 she would be asked to share observations in an internal probe, filed a written complaint on Feb. 20, and saw her responsibilities reduced and direct reports reassigned shortly after she indicated she would testify. Her attorney says the seven-day gap between protected disclosures and termination demonstrates causation; the suit seeks reinstatement, back pay and damages. The city’s Department of Law said it had not been served and declined to comment on pending litigation.

The lawsuit arrives amid a period of upheaval at DCASE, which oversees major city events such as the Millennium Park summer series, Taste of Chicago and Jazz Fest and distributes more than $1 million annually in individual artist grants. Last October the department’s then-commissioner resigned amid reports of high turnover and bullying. Grigsby, a lawyer by training, joined DCASE last August after more than two decades in executive and legal roles with arts and nonprofit organizations.