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Director’s Message | July 2025

2026 forum

A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, March 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, February 2026, NC State University, Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, January 2026, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, November 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, October 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

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.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, September 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Sep 24, 2025

Director’s Message | September 2025

With September marking one year since Hurricane Helene, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the remarkable progress made in Western North Carolina, noting how communities across the state came together to rebuild, fortify infrastructure and reopen key transit ways. Hall also highlights IEI’s contributions to recovery efforts and how these experiences have informed the Future Forward Infrastructure series.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, August 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Aug 29, 2025

Director’s Message | August 2025

As the 2025-26 academic year begins, IEI Director Sarah Hall notes the release of the final Recommended Strategies for Strengthening Our Energy Infrastructure in the coming weeks. This fall, the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council will also start convening, carrying this momentum forward for the 2026 program of work on water.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, July 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Jul 30, 2025

Director’s Message | July 2025

IEI Director Sarah Hall underscores the Institute’s unwavering dedication to statewide infrastructure conversations following the devastation of Tropical Storm Chantal, including hosting focus groups this fall to help shape the 2026 forum, “Future Forward Water.” She also shares how IEI continues to drive and remain proactive in other programmatic work beyond forum planning.