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

    Maryland Hospital Infection Rates at Bottom of National Rankings; State’s Hospitals Launch Initiative to Bring Them Down to Zero

    Battling deadly infections in Maryland hospitals, Hopkins’ patient safety expert leads fight to change hospital culture.

    Abell Salutes: Bridge Private Lending

    For its role in helping to revive city neighborhoods where “children walk along, feeling comfortable and safe.”

    How Course Redesign at the University of Maryland is Improving Learning, Lowering Costs, and Increasing Graduation Rates

    Instructors and administrators give initiative high grades, making the University of Maryland a national leader in the program.

    Indicators of Smart Growth in Maryland

    An analysis of land-use indicators and trends to determine the effects of Maryland’s Smart Growth policies established in 1997.

    Adjusting the Lens: A Window into the Needs of Men in Jail

    This report summarizes the results of the self-reported survey of 200 men detained at the Baltimore City Detention Center (BCDC) conducted from May 2009 to July 2009, known as the Window Replication Project.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.