City of Toledo Announces $7 Million Grant for Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program

The City of Toledo and community partners announced a $7 million grant to support continued efforts to reduce lead paint hazards in housing and protect children from lead exposure. The announcement coincided with the launch of the City of Toledo Lead-Based Paint Program in June.

The program provides funding to assist property owners in identifying and addressing lead paint hazards in residential properties. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis over a four-year grant period, with both owner-occupied and rental property opportunities available. Rental applications are initiated by landlords in coordination with the City.

"This $7 million investment is a major step forward in our work to eliminate lead hazards in Toledo's housing," Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said. "It means fewer children exposed to a dangerous health risk, stronger protections for families, and continued progress toward safe, quality housing in every neighborhood."

"These funds will strengthen our community by expanding access to training, education, and increasing outreach in neighborhoods as we work collaboratively to eradicate childhood lead poisoning," Candace Buckley, Executive Director of the Toledo Lead Resource Center, said. "Together, we are building a lead-safe future for all children and creating a legacy of healthy homes for generations to come."

The City highlighted an active remediation project during the announcement, along with the impact of lead exposure on local families.

The initiative also aims to increase the number of qualified contractors able to complete lead abatement work. Contractors must be licensed through the Ohio Department of Health and can access training and certification support through the Lead Resource Center.

"These funds are an essential tool for protecting our children from lead-based paint, and I was proud to fight as a senior Appropriator to ensure the Department of Housing and Urban Development continued to have the vital funds necessary to send back to communities that need them most," Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) said.

"I am glad to join Mayor Kapszukiewicz and local leaders as we announce more funding to remove lead paint hazards and move our city forward. Together, we are improving quality of life and investing in lead-free housing and neighborhoods for Toledoans and Northwest Ohioans."

Key program goals include:
Reducing childhood lead exposure
Expanding access to safe housing
Supporting landlords in meeting Lead Safe ordinance requirements
Increasing the number of licensed lead contractors in the region

Residents, property owners and interested contractors were encouraged to submit contact information on the City's website.

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