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Institute for Emerging Issues
Image of the late former Governor James Hunt speaking at the 2007 Emerging Issues Forum

The Institute for Emerging Issues

Celebrating 40 Years of the Emerging Issues Forum | 1986 - 2026

About IEI

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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Panelists speaking on stage at the December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering.

2026 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering

Join NCDIT and BAND-NC for the 2026 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering: Collaborating for the Future on Sept. 30 at the Hilton Hotel in Durham. This free, all-day event will feature exciting sessions on AI skills, digital navigation, healthcare access, workforce development and more. This event also marks a historic milestone—celebrating all 100 North Carolina counties now represented by a local-level digital opportunity plan.

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Honoring the legacy of Emerging Issues Forum founder, former governor james b. hunt jr.

A man and a woman posing for a photo in front of a painting of the NC Capitol Building

IEI Director Sarah Hall Remembers Former Governor Hunt

IEI Director Sarah Hall honors the life and legacy of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr, the visionary founder of the Emerging Issues Forum.

Director Hall’s Reflections on Governor Hunt
A man in a suit shakes hands with someone at a dedication ceremony

Hunt’s Passionate Legacy Will Never Be Extinguished

Two-time NC State student body president and four-time North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt Jr. died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at his family farm near Lucama, North Carolina. He was 88.

NC State University Remembers Governor Hunt
Governor Hunt sitting in a chair, posing for a professional photo in front of an American flag

First in Future: Former Governor James B. Hunt, Jr.

In this December 2017 episode of the First in Future podcast, former Governor James B. Hunt Jr. discusses the origins of the Emerging Issues Forum.

First in Future Podcast Featuring Governor Hunt
A Water Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting at Hunt Library.

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

IEI News

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Headshot of IEI Associate Director Lucy Berrier Matheson.

August 20, 2026

Lucy Berrier Matheson Joins IEI as New Associate Director

IEI is excited to welcome Lucy Berrier Matheson as its new Associate Director! Lucy will be leading IEI’s policy and program initiatives, including the Institute’s flagship Emerging Issues Forum and community initiatives. Get to know Lucy!
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, July 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

July 31, 2026

Director’s Message | July 2026

While summer is traditionally a time for rest, rising costs are forcing many North Carolinians to rethink their plans and stay closer to home. IEI Director Sarah Hall explores this economic strain and its connection to the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum on housing.
A Water Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting at Hunt Library.

July 05, 2026

New Strategies Offer North Carolina Communities Solutions for Water Challenges

IEI is pleased to present the final Strategies for Strengthening North Carolina’s Water Infrastructure. These recommended strategies were developed by the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council as part of the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water.

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