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Director’s Message | October 2025

2026 forum

A Water Infrastructure Advisory Council meeting at Hunt Library.

Jul 5, 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.
Video thumbnail with text: "Investing in Our Water Workforce," featuring headshots of Jessica Solis Aguilar, Bill Frazier, Perry Harker and Daniel Manring.

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.
Video thumbnail with text: "Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems," featuring headshots of Jessica Solis Aguilar, Kerri Allen, Scott Elliott and Emily Sutton.

May 6, 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.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, March 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Mar 30, 2026

Director’s Message | March 2026

With spring in full swing, IEI Director Sarah Hall gives an update on the recommendations from the 2026 forum on water and reflects on the leadership breakfast that officially launched planning for the 2027 forum on housing. She also celebrates the team’s participation at the 2026 Rural Summit and previews a robust lineup of community initiative events in the coming months.
A group of panelists on stage speaking at the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum in Winston-Salem.

Mar 11, 2026

A Statewide Deep Dive: Highlights from the 2026 Water Forum

Nearly 500 leaders from across North Carolina gathered on Feb. 25 for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City to discuss the state's water infrastructure challenges and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the forum.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, February 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Feb 27, 2026

Director’s Message | February 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall celebrates the historic success of hosting the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum in three cities simultaneously, thanking all who made the achievement possible. She also highlights the regional collaboration and water infrastructure solutions that were discussed at the forum.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, January 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Jan 30, 2026

Director’s Message | January 2026

IEI Director Sarah Hall kicks off the 40th year of the Emerging Issues Forum in this special Director's Message. She shares how you can share your memories throughout the year, and thanks everyone who has been involved in the planning of the upcoming 2026 Emerging Issues Forum, Future Forward Water.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, November 2025, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Nov 24, 2025

Director’s Message | November 2025

IEI Director Sarah Hall shares updates on recent IEI events, celebrating the success of the Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative and the 2025 Faith & Community Initiative Conference. She also highlights the upcoming December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering and registration opening for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum. As the holiday season approaches, Hall also expresses her deep gratitude for everyone who has made the work at IEI possible and for their unwavering support over the years.
Promotional graphic for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water featuring a large image of water ripples and the NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues logo with text that reads: "Feb. 25 in Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Morehead City; Register Now at go.ncsu.edu/2026forum."

Nov 5, 2025

Registration Open for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water

Registration is now open for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water. The forum will take place on Feb. 25 in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City, and will also mark 40 years of the Emerging Issues Forum.
Graphic with text: “Director’s Message, October 2025, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues,” featuring a headshot of Sarah Hall.

Oct 28, 2025

Director’s Message | October 2025

It's officially forum season at IEI! Director Sarah Hall announces that tickets for the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum will go on sale in early November. This landmark forum, which kicks off a year-long celebration of the event’s 40th anniversary, will be held simultaneously on Feb. 25 in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City. Additionally, registration is now open for both the 2025 Faith & Community Initiative Conference and the December 2025 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering.