This year, Signal Cleveland took a close look at the city’s progress reducing lead-poisoning cases and ensuring property owners make rental properties lead safe. A series of changes have come out of City Hall in the wake of that reporting.

Last week the city – for the first time in recent years – began prosecuting landlords for ignoring lead hazards that can poison children and impact them for life. And, earlier this year, City Hall moved personnel and refocused on enforcing the 2019 landmark lead law, which requires landlords to certify their properties as lead safe.

Signal Cleveland listened when residents told us to look into housing issues and landlords. Our in-depth reporting and service journalism look out for everyday people in the city we Iove. And, in the best cases, that leads to a more responsive, solutions-oriented government.

This is just one example of the way that a well resourced local newsroom can make a tangible impact in our community.

I’m so proud of what we do at Signal Cleveland every day. Thanks, Cleveland, for reading, listening and sharing.