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

    Abell Salutes: “Globetrotters”

    Students have fun mapping their way to expanded knowledge of geography.

    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.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.