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Institute for Emerging Issues
A group of attendees at the 2024 Emerging Issues Forum

40 Years Forward

Championing solutions across NC for four decades.
Emerging Issues Forum | 1986 - 2026

About the Forum Celebrating the Legacy

Established in 2002 at NC State University, the Institute for Emerging Issues is a nonpartisan, public policy organization that connects individuals and businesses across sectors, regions and perspectives to address emerging issues in the state. Through this collaboration, IEI is connecting North Carolinians to build consensus and move to action; inspiring and preparing citizens and leaders to meet future challenges head-on.

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2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing

Feb. 17 | NC State University McKimmon Center | Raleigh, NC

Housing challenges affect every community, industry and family across North Carolina. As the finale of IEI’s three-year Future Forward Infrastructure series, the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum will bring policymakers, industry experts, researchers, educators and community leaders together to examine the state’s housing landscape and identify innovative solutions that meet the needs of every North Carolinian.

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upcoming

Group photo of the spring 2026 cohort of IEI's Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

Nov. 16-19 | James B. Hunt Jr. Library, NC State University

IEI invites applications for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, a professional development program designed to equip leaders with the strategic skills needed to capitalize on emerging opportunities and build impactful initiatives that benefit their community and state. Upon completion, graduates will earn the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader, presented by the Workforce Leadership Institute. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Oct. 23, or until all spots are filled.

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Four speakers sit on tall stools at the front of a room as part of a panel discussion on mental health.

2026 Faith & Community Initiative Conference: Infrastructure of Hope

Nov. 19-20 | The Historic Brookstown Inn | Winston-Salem, NC

Hosted by IEI’s Faith & Community Initiative, this free, two-day event brings faith leaders, nonprofit partners and community stakeholders together to discuss the challenges they face and explore practical tools, shared learning and cross-sector partnerships. Themed “Infrastructure of Hope” in tandem with 2027 Emerging Issues Forum on housing, the conference will focus on the role of faith communities in advancing housing stability, affordability, food security and overall community well-being across North Carolina.

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Strategies for Strengthening Our Water Infrastructure

Developed by IEI’s Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, these recommended strategies provide collaborative, actionable solutions designed to support decision-makers and prepare North Carolina for current and future water demands. The strategies span six categories, ranging from private well and septic system support to improving water policymaking.

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Meet the Advisory Council
A Water Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting at Hunt Library.

Featured News

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Promotional graphic for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing featuring a large image of a white house with a North Carolina flag and the NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues logo with text that reads: "Feb. 17 in Raleigh; Register Now at go.ncsu.edu/2027forum."

October 08, 2026

Registration Open for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing

Registration is now open for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing, taking place Feb. 17 at the NC State University McKimmon Center in Raleigh. As the finale of IEI’s Future Forward Infrastructure series, the 2027 forum will focus on solutions to North Carolina’s housing challenges.

September 30, 2026

Director’s Message | September 2026

Grounded in the “Think and Do” vision, IEI Director Sarah Hall celebrates a successful 2026 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering, held in partnership with the NC Department of Information Technology. She also previews the upcoming release of the 2025-26 Annual Impact Report and highlights the momentum building toward the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing.
Promotional graphic for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative.

September 29, 2026

Applications Open for Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

Applications are being accepted for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, taking place Nov. 16-19. Only 25 spots are available. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until Oct. 23, or until all spots are filled.

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