Mamdani Appoints Allegheny County Official Behind Controversial AI Algorithm as NYC Social Services Boss

Erin Dalton, who faced backlash over an algorithm that disproportionately targeted Black families in Pennsylvania, will now lead New York City's Department of Social Services.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Erin Dalton, the former director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania, as the new commissioner of New York City's Department of Social Services. Dalton's tenure in Allegheny County was marked by controversy over an AI algorithm used in the county's child welfare program that repeatedly flagged Black children much more often than white children for potential neglect, sparking accusations of racial bias.

Why it matters

Dalton's appointment raises concerns about whether she will bring a similar approach to New York City's social services, which could have significant impacts on vulnerable communities. The use of AI algorithms in social services has come under increasing scrutiny for perpetuating systemic racism, and Dalton's past experience with such a controversial tool will likely face intense public and political scrutiny.

The details

While in Allegheny County, Dalton implemented a mobile response team that sent out mental health workers on 911 calls and worked to get homeless people off the streets without using the threat of jail. However, she also oversaw the county's child welfare program, which used an AI algorithm that repeatedly flagged Black children at much higher rates than white children for potential neglect, according to the Associated Press. County officials dismissed concerns about the algorithm's racial bias, saying social workers could override its recommendations.

  • Dalton served as the director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania.
  • Mamdani appointed Dalton as the new commissioner of New York City's Department of Social Services in 2026.

The players

Erin Dalton

The former director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in Pennsylvania, who is now the new commissioner of New York City's Department of Social Services.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who appointed Erin Dalton as the new commissioner of the city's Department of Social Services.

Allegheny County Department of Human Services

The county agency in Pennsylvania that Erin Dalton previously led, where she oversaw the implementation of a controversial AI algorithm in the child welfare program.

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What they’re saying

“Erin Dalton has spent decades proving that government can and must work better for people who rely on it most. She has expanded access to housing, strengthened social services and protected our most vulnerable neighbors.”

— Zohran Mamdani, Mayor of New York City (nypost.com)

The takeaway

Dalton's appointment as the new commissioner of New York City's Department of Social Services raises concerns about whether she will bring a similar approach to using controversial AI algorithms that disproportionately impacted Black families in her previous role in Allegheny County. This move by Mayor Mamdani will likely face intense scrutiny and public pressure to ensure the city's social services do not perpetuate systemic racism.