On average, four children per day in Cleveland are testing positive for lead poisoning, which causes neurological and physical damage, behavioral changes, and possibly even death. This is unacceptable.

CLASH (Cleveland Lead Advocates for Safe Housing) is a collaboration between several progressive groups in Cleveland who have been working tirelessly to put forward policies and legislation to ensure our children are protected from lead poisoning.

Any and all money would go directly to CLASH's efforts to not only get the initiative on the ballot, but also to making sure this initiative passes so we can protect our children! This is an expensive process that is supported by a grassroots campaign, and so we need your help! Our goal of $10,000 will be used to cover the costs of printing the petition signature books, any and all outreach, and messaging costs. 

The proposed ordinance would:

• Require landlords by March 2021 to certify that registered rentals built before 1978 are “lead safe” by providing risk assessment or clearance inspection from a private company.
• Double the price of the rental registration from $35 to $70 annually to fund the cost of assessments for some low-income landlords. The registration fee would be waived if lead safe or lead free status is proven through private inspection.
• Require landlords share with renters and in advertisements whether or not the property is lead safe and for the city to include the information in a public, searchable database.
• Create protections for tenants that allow them to terminate leases, suspend rent payments or pay only a portion of the rent until a landlord completes property repairs, or to be relocated if the clean-up of lead hazards threatens to displace them.
• Require day care centers by November 1, 2021, to certify their facilities as lead safe using the same proof as required for rental units. 
• Create a Lead Risk Assessment and Remediation Fund to accept public and private funds and to be administered by the Community Development Department.
• Create a Lead Advisory Board to oversee the program and report to the community.

To read more: https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2019/02/advocacy-groups-proposed-ballot-initiative-requires-older-cleveland-rentals-be-made-lead-safe-by-2021.html

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2019/02/04/clash-unveils-lead-legislation-ready-for-ballot-initiative-if-council-unwilling-to-adopt

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2019/02/15/clash-to-launch-petition-drive-for-lead-safe-legislation-today

Please help us prevent lead poisoning in children today!