This month’s message is dedicated to the people across North Carolina who are inspiring action at the local level.

I am often asked, “What happens after the Emerging Issues Forum?” The truth is, IEI’s annual forum is not just an event, but the launchpad for comprehensive community engagement. The Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative (SWLI) is a prime example of how we transition from ideas to action–embodying the “think and do” spirit. Born out of the 2023 Emerging Issues Forum, “Talent First Economics,” SWLI was formed in partnership with the Workforce Leadership Institute, the NCWorks Commission, the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards and NC State University. Earlier this month, we hosted 25 workforce professionals from across the state for our fourth SWLI cohort. As newly certified Strategic Workforce Leaders, these graduates gained the insights, resources and networks needed to strengthen their region’s workforce initiatives and expand economic opportunity. As one participant shared on social media, they are “Connected and ready to charge forward! So grateful for this experience and to cohort #4.” Be on the lookout for a recap of the fourth SWLI cohort coming soon!

Another idea we put into action stemmed from our 2024 Emerging Issues Forum, “Weathering Financial Storms.” We brought together five organizations across North Carolina to strengthen their ability to provide financial resilience services to their communities. Demonstrating the sustained impact of our work long after the forum concludes, our Financial Resilience Community Cohort recently capped two years of intensive organizational capacity building and peer learning. The cohort met to celebrate its successes and share ideas for the future. As one participant shared, “It was amazing to hear how all of our organizations have grown since the beginning of this journey! Special thank you to the IEI team for facilitating this unique experience.”

After bringing communities together this month, we look forward to traveling across the state this summer. With stops in Watauga, Durham, Bladen and Pitt counties, we will examine how different regions are navigating housing affordability, supply shortages, a shrinking workforce, and zoning and land-use practices. This fieldwork underscores that our agenda-setting is a continuous, year-round research process. These regional conversations will allow us to map the scope of housing infrastructure challenges, dynamically informing the agenda for our 2027 Emerging Issues Forum, “Future Forward Housing,” and our long-term, actionable policy recommendations for communities across North Carolina. Stay tuned!

Our team is excited for what’s in store in the coming months. I wish you all a relaxing and fun-filled summer season!