James A. Balcer (born June 24, 1950) is a former alderman of the 11th Ward of the City of Chicago (map[permanent dead link‍]).

A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to the Chicago City Council by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1997.

In May 2015, he was succeeded by former Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner, Patrick Daley Thompson.

Balcer served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and in 2001 was belatedly awarded the Bronze Star.

Balcer attracted media attention in May, 2009 for ordering the removal of a mural that had been commissioned on private property.