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

    Winner of the 2016 Abell Award in Urban Policy

    Litter-Free Baltimore: A trash collection policy framework based on spatial analysis and social media.

    Abell Salutes: Civic Works’ Baltimore Center for Green Careers

    For building “pathways out of poverty” that build on the green economy and create meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities.

    Bringing the B to Baltimore: Using B Corporations as a New Tool for Economic Development

    Empowering local companies to improve returns to all of their stakeholders — and not just their shareholders — could yield significant benefits for Baltimore City.

    Finishing the Job: Modernizing Maryland’s Bail System

    The bail system in Maryland is unfair, unsafe, and ineffective.

    Healthy Harbor Report Card 2015

    In May 2016, the Healthy Harbor initiative of the Waterfront Partnership released its third annual Report Card, with funding providing by the Abell Foundation and other partners.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.