Zohran Mamdani, New York’s mayor, has hired Erin Dalton as a new commissioner of the city’s department of social services.
The hire comes as the new mayor has faced scrutiny over the city’s handling of its unhoused population following the deaths of at least 20 people who were found outdoors during an especially cold winter.
Dalton had previously directed the Allegheny county department of human services in the Pittsburgh area. The previous commissioner, Molly Wasow Park, was appointed by Eric Adams in 2023 and resigned earlier this month.
“Erin Dalton has spent decades proving that government can and must work better for people who rely on it most,” Mamdani stated in a news release. “She has expanded access to housing, strengthened social services and protected our most vulnerable neighbors.”
Advocates for the homeless population have criticized Mamdani for reinstituting sweeps of encampments after pausing the practice on his fifth day in office.
The Coalition for the Homeless also criticized for Mamdani for deciding not to expand CityFHEPS, a rental assistance program, after pledging to do so during his campaign.
Powderhorn
beehaw.org
Powderhorn@beehaw.org