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 Reports: Police-Community Relations in Baltimore

    In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a consent decree for the Baltimore Police Department, mandating wide-ranging reforms. In a pair of companion reports, researchers from the University of Maryland examine the current state of community-police relations and how certain initiatives could help to improve them.

    Abell-Supported Research: Assessment of Maryland’s Need for Eviction Prevention Funds and the Estimated Fiscal Impact

    Eviction prevention programs, which cover up to three months of past-due rent, are a cost-effective way to stabilize families, pay landlords, and reduce costs to the state. This report examines two different scenarios that would prevent disruptive displacements.

    Abell Report: the Trouble with STRIDE

    Ten years ago, Maryland’s legislature passed a bill to expedite utilities’ replacement of their natural gas pipes in the name of safety. Since then, Maryland has adopted ambitious climate goals that will require the near elimination of natural gas use in homes by 2045. Yet the state continues to allow utilities to invest billions in replacing pipes, which consumers will have to pay for — with a profit for the utilities — for decades to come.

    Publications Library

    Vacants to Value

    Baltimore’s bold blight-elimination effort is making modest progress despite limited renovation funds and questionable accounting.

    The Opacity Problem: An Examination of Baltimore City Infrastructure Contracts

    City infrastructure overruns and the challenge of transparency.

    Making the Grade: An Analysis of For-profit and Career Schools in Maryland

    The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition, with funding support from the Abell Foundation, explored the opportunities and costs of for-profit and career schools.

    Abell Salutes: Maryland New Directions

    For preparing Baltimore residents for port-related jobs.

    Abell Salutes: David Oros and Gamma3

    For investing in technology and in Baltimore.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.