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

    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.

    Baltimore’s Drug Problem: It’s Costing Too Much Not to Spend More On it

    The most effective and cost-efficient means of confronting the drug problem is through treatment programs. Yet over the last several years, at a time when drug abuse has escalated in the city, treatment slots have been pared.

    Abell Salutes: St. Frances Academy

    Miracle on East Chase Street; St. Frances Academy students achieve against the odds.

    Mandatory Student Service for Maryland’s High School Graduates

    Abell Salutes: Baltimore Baseball League

    It’s a whole new ballgame for Baltimore City Public School kids. The idea is to keep averages up–in the classroom as well as on the field.

    Header photo courtesy of Venture for America.