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America’s First Research University
The Baltimore Area Survey (BAS) is an annual, representative survey of Baltimore City and County residents being run by Johns Hopkins 21st Century Cities Initiative. The BAS will help scholars, community members, and policymakers learn more about the Baltimore area’s strengths and challenges from residents.
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The Baltimore Social-Environmental Collaborative (BSEC) is designed to generate the science needed for informed energy investments and extreme weather resilience in Baltimore. In doing so, BSEC contributes to action plans for Baltimore that improve the well-being of residents across the region. Working with businesses, local and state government representatives, and community organizations, BSEC scientists produce the decision-relevant science needed to address local priorities and needs. As data is gathered and findings discovered, the work evolves to answer questions our partners identify.
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Sign UpMobility Expectations of Baltimore Area Residents
In this research brief, we used data from the 2024 Baltimore Area Survey (BAS) to report on Baltimore area residents’ mobility expectations and preferences to describe how expectations and preferences differ by income, homeownership status, and neighborhood satisfaction.
The Cost of Living in Baltimore: Financial hardship and future concerns
March 4, 2026
In this research brief, we use data from the 2025 Baltimore Area Survey (BAS) to report on Baltimore area residents’ experiences with cost-of-living expenses.
Baltimore Black Butterfly Entrepreneurs’ Access To Capital: Barriers, Consequences, And Alternatives
January 17, 2026
Drawing on 63 semi-structured interviews with Baltimore entrepreneurs and representatives from financial institutions, this report identifies the barriers entrepreneurs face when seeking bank loans
December 19, 2025
Data Report: SNAP Benefits and Food Insecurity in the Baltimore Area
November 11, 2025
We examine the relationship between SNAP benefit recipients and food insecurity in the Baltimore area using data from the 2024 Baltimore Area Survey.
Small Business Bank Lending in Baltimore’s Black Butterfly and White L, 2013-2023
August 6, 2025
This study examines community level disparities in lending across Baltimore City in recent years and the racialized geography of banks’ small business lending in Baltimore by looking over a decade of the most recent publicly available data from 2013 to 2023.
Housing costs drive growing desire to move out of Baltimore area
June 4, 2026
A new Johns Hopkins University study found rising housing costs are driving many Baltimore-area residents to consider moving within the next three years.
Baltimore City and County dwellers expect to move, but stay within the lines
May 22, 2026
In 2024, more than half of Baltimore City and County residents (61%) planned to move out of their current neighborhoods within the next three years. A majority of those who expected to move, however, planned to stay within their jurisdiction.
More than half of Baltimore planning to move, Johns Hopkins survey finds
May 19, 2026
More than half of Baltimore city and county residents surveyed expect to move out of their current neighborhoods within the next three years, according to a new report from Johns Hopkins University.
The latest plan to save downtown Baltimore? Tax breaks.
March 12, 2026
“The city, in doing this, is making a big splashy statement to the private capital market that downtown is a place to invest,” said Mac McComas, a researcher focused on urban revitalization in Baltimore and postindustrial cities at Johns Hopkins 21st Century Cities Initiative.
Johns Hopkins University survey shows extent of affordability issues across Baltimore City, county
March 4, 2026
A new survey from Johns Hopkins University shows the extent of affordability concerns across Baltimore.
