Cleveland Just Lost $3.3 Million for Lead Removal — Here’s What Homeowners Need to Know

Ohio just clawed back $3.3 million from Cleveland that was supposed to help make homes lead-safe. The reason? The city couldn’t spend the money fast enough.

Out of a $4.9 million state grant meant to replace lead-painted windows and doors, Cleveland managed to complete just 26 home repairs in two years. With a February 28, 2026 deadline looming, state officials pulled the remaining funds and plan to send them to communities that can actually get the work done.

This isn’t the first time Cleveland has fumbled lead funding. Last May, the city nearly lost $11.9 million in federal HUD grants for the same reason — slow execution. City Council members have openly called the Community Development Department’s performance unacceptable, with Councilman Joe Jones saying, “This is no kind of shop that the city is operating. Our numbers should be vastly larger than this.”

What This Means for You

If you’re a Cleveland homeowner or landlord waiting on the city to help make your property lead-safe, the message is clear: you can’t afford to wait.

Grant money is disappearing. Federal ARPA funds expire at the end of 2026. Staff turnover at City Hall has left programs in disarray. And every month that passes with lead hazards in your home is another month your family or tenants are at risk.

Lead poisoning is irreversible. Children exposed to lead can suffer permanent damage to brain development, learning ability, and behavior. There is no safe level of lead exposure.

Take Action Now

The city’s struggles don’t have to be your problem. Private lead abatement contractors like PbFree Ohio are doing this work every day — without the red tape, without the delays, and without the risk of funding being pulled out from under you.

Whether you need a lead risk assessment, lead-safe certification for your rental property, or full lead abatement work, the time to act is now — not when the next grant deadline passes or the next round of funding disappears.

Cleveland has the highest rate of childhood lead poisoning among large Ohio cities. That’s not a statistic. That’s our kids.

Don’t wait for City Hall. Get your home lead-safe today.