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

    Abell Report: License to Work

    Thousands of Baltimore jobseekers struggle to secure and retain employment because they do not possess reliable personal transportation. This report examines how barriers, such as driver’s license requirements, vehicle ownership costs, and spatial employment and transit patterns, prevent Baltimore residents from accessing stable employment opportunities.

    Abell Report: Beyond the Headlines

    As the city celebrates historic reductions in gun violence, the media continues to broadcast headlines warning of crime by city youths ages 17 and younger. This report analyzes data available from key entities engaged with crimes charged to young people.

    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.

    Publications Library

    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.

    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.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.