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

    A License to a Better Life

    Owning a car is often a necessity for living and working in Maryland. But for many low-income families, getting a license and maintaining ownership are unattainable goals. Barriers to driver’s licensing and ownership must be lowered.

    Abell Salutes: Planned Parenthood’s Emergency Contraception Project

    For “calming nerves,” for “putting minds at ease.”

    The Baltimore Region is Moving Towards Greater Economic School Segregation–in the Face of Recent Data Reconfirming the Educational Value of Greater Economic School Integration

    A report to the community and recommendations for resolving the problem.

    Abell Salutes: Maternity Center East

    Clinic, counseling center, and home — “Women like to come in just to talk.”

    Abell Salutes: The Violence Intervention Program at University of Maryland’s Shock Trauma

    For saving victims’ lives and taxpayers’ money.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.