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

    Baltimore City’s Spending Of Federal Community Development Block Grant Dollars For Economic Development is Less Than Comparable Cities

    The cornerstone of Baltimore’s economic development during the burgeoning 1970s was its ability to leverage federal, state, and private resources; today, even though those resources are scarce, Baltimore spends little of the federal funds that are available for job creating and tax producing activities. Is a reallocation needed?

    Abell Salutes: “The Door”

    For young people in East Baltimore, a school away from school, a home away from home–and for many, a family where there is no family.

    The Underfunded Venture Capital Pool In Maryland’s Hi-Tech Start-Up Businesses at Disadvantage

    67 percent of Maryland’s start-up technology-related businesses say they have a need for financing not available through banks. There are proven solutions–if there is political will.

    Abell Salutes: “SHARE”

    Members trade hours of service for bags of food. They save money, enjoy higher quality food and serve the community.

    Oxford Houses for Recovering Alcohol and Drug Addicts Establish Reputation for Success; “Believing in Themselves”

    But skeptics say selective admissions keeps program serving small numbers, and distorts success results.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.