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.

July 02, 2026

IEI Celebrates Fourth Cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

IEI is excited to announce the fourth cohort of the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, a professional development program for leaders in workforce and economic development. Graduates earned the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader after completing the four-day program.

June 30, 2026

Director’s Message | June 2026

Kicking off summer 2026, IEI Director Sarah Hall highlights the enduring impact of the annual Emerging Issues Forum, showcasing how initiatives like the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative and the Financial Resilience Community Cohort continue to drive progress across the state. Looking ahead, she shares excitement for the upcoming community focus groups that will help lay the groundwork for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing.

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.

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.

December 02, 2025

Watt’s Next?

In the season two finale, IEI Policy and Program Manager Tarik Woods is joined by three EIAC members: Andrea DeSantis, Dana Magliola and Claire Williamson. Together, they reflect on the Strategies for Strengthening Our Energy Infrastructure, policy recommendations aimed at helping North Carolinians tackle energy challenges in their communities.