Kim Foreman is a champion for environmental justice issues who has been advocating for lead-safe policy and investments in Cleveland for more than 20 years.
Kim is the executive director of the Environmental Health Watch in Cleveland and a founding member and driving force behind the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition. She was instrumental in the Cleveland City Council’s historic 2019 legislation requiring owners of residential rental units built before 1978 to obtain lead-safe certifications and all landlords to have inspections and lead-safe certification by 2023.
During more than 20 years with Environmental Health Watch, Kim has developed, implemented and managed various local, direct service on-the-ground grassroots projects. She has also worked on national projects like the National BuildHealth Challenge and has spoken at local and national conventions, like the Food & Justice Conference. Kim has also appeared on several radio and television shows to share her expertise.
Kim’s vision for the next 40 years in affordable housing and community development is to create sustainable communities where everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy lifestyle.
Kim served on several boards and advisory committees dealing green housing, environmental justice, equity and more. She also is the proud recipient of the 2019 Cleveland City Council Resolution of Appreciation, Ohio State Legislature Environmental Achievement Award, Ohio Environmental Council Community Collaboration Award, the Cleveland Champions award and the 2021 NAACP Unsung Heroes Award.
Kim completed the Deep Green and Healthy Homes-Occupant Interview Study for the Case Western Reserve Prevention Research Center PEER Research Fellows Program in 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Case Western Reserve University.
