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North Carolina’s rapid population growth presents significant housing and real estate challenges. In this episode of “The Connector,” IEI Director Sarah Hall is joined by award-winning author and Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program Director Chuck Flink. Together, they chat about the backstory of the Pappas Real Estate Development Program within NC State’s College of Design, and how this unique educational program equips students and professionals with the skills to build resilient communities and promote sustainable land use through practicum-based academics, sponsored research and real-world application. Hall and Flink also explore the impactful outcomes of the program and crucial next steps in addressing the state’s evolving infrastructure needs.

Housing will also be the focus of the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum, part of IEI’s 2025-2027 Emerging Issues Forum series on North Carolina’s future-forward infrastructure.

About The Connector

The Connector explores connections being made across sectors, regions and perspectives resulting in a more vibrant and prosperous North Carolina. Listen to episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or any other podcast streaming platform.