About the Institute for Emerging Issues

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.

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

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

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

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

Room Reservations

Need a collaborative space for your organization’s event or meeting? At IEI, we believe collaboration, partnership and teamwork are key to finding solutions to North Carolina’s emerging and most critical policy issues. Consider hosting your organization’s event or meeting in one of our dedicated collaborative spaces, located within the state-of-the-art James B. Hunt Jr. Library.

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IEI News

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May 29, 2026

Director’s Message | May 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall explores the undeniable return on investment driving North Carolina forward, from the soaring career earnings of NC State graduates to IEI’s statewide community investments. Looking ahead, she also expresses her excitement around the institute’s next strategic plan.

May 20, 2026

Water Wednesdays: Investing in Our Water Workforce

In this Water Wednesdays episode, IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar welcomes three guests to discuss the state’s workforce crisis in the water industry. They explore solutions to rebuild the talent pipeline, including community college training, apprenticeships, certification reforms and industry partnerships.

May 06, 2026

Water Wednesdays: Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems

In this kickoff to The Connector’s “Water Wednesdays” series, three special guests join IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar to explore how local leaders can work together to fortify North Carolina’s water systems against extreme weather, aging infrastructure and other challenges to build a more resilient future.