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.

August 20, 2026

Lucy Berrier Matheson Joins IEI as New Associate Director

IEI is excited to welcome Lucy Berrier Matheson as its new Associate Director! Lucy will be leading IEI’s policy and program initiatives, including the Institute’s flagship Emerging Issues Forum and community initiatives. Get to know Lucy!

July 31, 2026

Director’s Message | July 2026

While summer is traditionally a time for rest, rising costs are forcing many North Carolinians to rethink their plans and stay closer to home. IEI Director Sarah Hall explores this economic strain and its connection to the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum on housing.

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.

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.