Message from Commissioner Jonathan Mintz

In 2009, the Department of Consumer Affairs celebrated 40 years of service to New York City consumers and businesses. We launched an anniversary logo, documented our history in a calendar, and distributed a press release highlighting agency milestones.

DCA’s beginnings actually date back much further than 40 years. In 1968, the City’s Department of Markets merged with the Department of Licensing to form one unified Department of Consumer Affairs. But it was not until the passage of New York City’s landmark Consumer Protection Law in 1969 that the Department gained its broad authority to protect the public from deceptive business practices. We’ve been working very hard to do just that ever since.

To mark the close of our 40th anniversary, we mounted an exhibition highlighting the Agency’s rich history at our headquarters at 42 Broadway. Now, we have created an online slideshow of this exhibit to share DCA’s proud legacy with all New Yorkers. It’s clear that over the years the uniforms and equipment may have changed, but our dedication to consumer protection remains as strong as ever.

View the 40th Anniversary Exhibit Slideshow