What We’re Learning

What We’re Learning

We believe that a community of creative problem-solvers, faced with complicated, seemingly intractable challenges, is well-served by thought-provoking, research-based information and analysis. We support the development and dissemination of research in two ways:

Abell Reports

Abell Reports are commissioned reports by subject matter experts, academics, and investigative journalists that provide studies of selected issues on the public agenda.

Abell-Supported Research

These projects – undertaken with grant funding by academics and nonprofit research and advocacy organizations – advance learning on issues key to Baltimore City.

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    Featured Reports

    Photo courtesy of the Goucher Prison Education Partnership.

    2024 Annual Report

    A reflection on the promising new approaches and new resources that have been brought to bear in the last decade.

    Abell Report: “Justice by Geography”: Improving Pretrial Electric Monitoring in Maryland

    Recent changes to state funding have reignited conversations among Maryland corrections leaders about expanding and strengthening electronic monitoring (EM) and pretrial services. This report summarizes key findings from the Justice Policy Institute’s research into EM as well as best practices.

    Abell Report: Evidence of Racial Bias in Home Appraisals in the Baltimore Metropolitan Area

    Racial bias in home appraising can harm individuals by making home purchases more expensive or refinancing unattainable, but when compounded on the community level, it can have profound impacts on minority communities’ ability to build wealth. Using newly available federal data, this report finds evidence of systemic appraisal bias that undervalues homes in predominantly Black communities in Baltimore City and the surrounding counties.

    Publications Library

    The Economic Benefits of Maryland’s Historic Revitalization Tax Credit Program

    Maryland must seize the opportunity to strengthen the Historic Tax Credit program and further the reuse and redevelopment of historic structures in Baltimore and across the state.

    Prevention, Intervention, and Policy Strategies to Respond to ACEs in Baltimore

    This Abell Report explores prevention, intervention, and policy strategies to reduce the individual and societal costs associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) for children in Baltimore City.

    An Auto Insurance Lifeline for Safe Driving, Lower-Income Marylanders

    Approximately 12% of drivers on Maryland roads are uninsured. This report suggests a new approach to improve economic opportunities, address inequities, and reduce the number of uninsured drivers in the state.

    The Whole is Greater than the Sum of its Parts

    Barcelona’s comprehensive approach to substance use disorder and the overdose crises offers important lessons for Baltimore.

    Scaling Workforce Development Programming in Baltimore

    With skilled workers now in high demand, Baltimore should seize the opportunity to rapidly expand high-quality workforce development programs to assist job seekers in obtaining the skills they need.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.