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

    Abell Salutes: Urban Teachers

    For successfully recruiting, training, certifying, and retaining highly effective teachers committed to teaching in Baltimore City Public Schools.

    No Place to Call Home

    Baltimore’s homeless youth population is growing; critical service gaps persist.

    Keeping the Water On

    Strategies for addressing high increases in water and sewer rates for Baltimore’s most vulnerable customers.

    City Connects: Redesigning Student Support for Academic Success

    City Connects works with each teacher in the school to develop an individualized plan for each student based on his or her unique strengths and needs.

    2015 Annual Report

    Our 2015 Annual Report highlights after-school academic leagues to inspire intellectual achievement; cross-sector partnerships to expand access to effective birth control and reduce unintended pregnancy; advocacy and direct service campaigns that support vulnerable homeowners and restore community stability; public-private ventures that expand access to clean energy and grow green jobs, and investments in entrepreneurs and small businesses that grow our neighborhoods and our city.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.