The assignment takes the form of a hypothetical memorandum from Baltimore s Mayor to an agency director asking for a clear statement of the underlying problem, an examination of the evidence, and an assessment of policy options. Students review the theoretical and empirical literature, analyze existing data, and conduct primary field research. The Baltimore project culminates in a formal presentation to policymakers, representatives of community-based organizations, Johns Hopkins faculty, and other concerned citizens of Baltimore. The written report is published in the Occasional Paper series of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies. Through the annual Baltimore project, students learn by doing while providing the city with high-quality research designed to raise the level of debate about Baltimore's future.
Projects address a wide range of issues confronting urban areas.
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