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

    Estimating the Effects of Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence

    The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, with support from Abell and others, analyzed 15 years of data to determine the impacts of law enforcement and public health interventions designed to reduce gun violence in Baltimore City.

    Public Health Policy in Maryland

    A review of recent alcohol and cigarette taxes shows that these policies work to improve health and increase state revenue.

    The Case for Hemp in Maryland

    Exploring the growth of hemp and its associated industries in the United States and Ukraine.

    The Structure and Effectiveness of the Baltimore City Office of Inspector General

    Reviewing lessons learned, considering best practices, and exploring the path forward.

    The Maryland Opportunity Compact

    A philanthropy-enabled partnership to finance change in reform-resistant areas of social need.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.