The City of Cleveland has been experiencing obstacles as they continue to make homes lead safe for families and children. Even though they are facing some challenges, they are still making positive progress in their efforts to reduce lead exposure. There are three major developments that demonstrate how stakeholders in Cleveland are still helping residents.
1: The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition is working to ensure kids are lead safe
Earlier this year, the Policy Committee from the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition offered policy recommendations to the offices of Mayor Justin Bibb and Council President Blaine Griffin about how to enhance and clarify the city’s Lead Safe Certification Law. Some of their suggestions include:
- Implementing a standardized template for Lead Risk Assessments. A clear and reliable Lead Risk Assessment template that provides documentation on the conditions of unit or property (e.g., color pictures that show deteriorated paint, friction-surface hazards, etc.)
- Lengthening certification periods for low-risk properties. Certification periods depend on when the property was built and deeming it lead safe over time.
- Ensuring the Lead Safe Certification law matches federal and state guidelines.
2: New staff will be hired through the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland plans to hire two new positions to address the lead crisis. One of the new positions is a Lead Safe Ombudsperson, recommended by the Policy Committee. The ombudsperson will be the point of contact for landlords, residents, and contractors when they have concerns, complaints, or questions about the lead-safe housing programs.
The ombudsperson will also work with staff from the city’s Departments of Public Health, Building and Housing, Community Development, and Law to resolve complaints. In addition, the Ombudsperson will connect residents to the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition, the Lead Safe Resource Center, and city departments.
The other new position is a program coordinator who will support the Senior Advisor for Lead Accountability. The program coordinator will help maintain relationships with partners, organize cross-departmental trainings and events, and program projects.
Nearly 85 percent of kids born in 2022 were tested before three years of age compared to 75.6 percent of children born in 2019.
3: Data about how lead is impacting kids in Cleveland has been improving
The Cleveland Department of Public Health collects data on children’s blood lead levels. The rate of children with elevated blood lead levels (≥3.5 micrograms per deciliter or μg/dL) has fallen over the years.
Based on confirmed cases, less than 10 percent of children in Cleveland experienced elevated blood levels in 2025.
The reduced rates are due to more homes becoming lead safe and lead free (homes that have been abated or built with no lead-based paint after 1978).
More kids are also being tested for lead. In fact, nearly 85 percent of kids born in 2022 were tested before three years of age compared to 75.6 percent of children born in 2019.
Looking ahead
With momentum building across Cleveland to address lead exposure, continued coordination among city leaders and community partners will be essential to keep families safe. We applaud the city for hiring an ombudsperson and a program coordinator.
The city should now consider more recommendations from the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition. By implementing policies and procedures to resolve lead issues, we hope that the data on blood lead levels among children in Cleveland continue to improve. Sustaining efforts can help ensure more Cleveland children grow up in homes that are truly lead safe.
