October 08, 2026

Registration Open for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing

Registration is now open for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing, taking place Feb. 17 at the NC State University McKimmon Center in Raleigh. As the finale of IEI’s Future Forward Infrastructure series, the 2027 forum will focus on solutions to North Carolina’s housing challenges.

September 30, 2026

Director’s Message | September 2026

Grounded in the “Think and Do” vision, IEI Director Sarah Hall celebrates a successful 2026 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering, held in partnership with the NC Department of Information Technology. She also previews the upcoming release of the 2025-26 Annual Impact Report and highlights the momentum building toward the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing.

September 29, 2026

Applications Open for Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative

Applications are being accepted for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative, taking place Nov. 16-19. Only 25 spots are available. Applications will be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis until Oct. 23, or until all spots are filled.

August 31, 2026

Director’s Message | August 2026

As housing costs strain families statewide, the passage of the federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act offers a timely spark for local transformation. IEI Director Sarah Hall highlights how the team spent the summer collaborating with leaders across the state to gather insights and lay the groundwork for the 2027 forum, in addition to some exciting partnerships and opportunities on the horizon.

August 31, 2026

Empowering Next-Gen Changemakers Through the Activating Civic Leadership Program

IEI is thrilled to announce the 2026 Climate and Sustainability Academy Student Ambassadors. Representing colleges across NC State, these students will lead the new Activating Civic Leadership program—a joint initiative between IEI, CaSA and the Shelton Leadership Center designed to foster professional growth and lifelong civic engagement.

August 31, 2026

Meet Jada, IEI’s New Hunt Intern

Get to know IEI’s new Hunt Intern, Jada! Now in its sixth year, the Hunt Internship is a program for NC State undergraduates interested in a career in public policy and public service.

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.