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Emerging Issues Forum

Thumbnail with text that reads: "Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems," featuring headshots of IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar, NC Coastal Federation Coastal Management Program Director Kerri Allen, GROW NC Deputy Director for Engagement Scott Elliott and Haw River Assembly Executive Director 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.
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, December 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Dec 19, 2025

Director’s Message | December 2025

In this special director’s message, IEI Director Sarah Hall honors the life and legacy of former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., the visionary founder of the Emerging Issues Forum, later becoming the Institute for Emerging Issues. She reflects on his charge to bring people together and make North Carolina the best it can be, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to carry this mission forward.
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, June 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Jun 24, 2025

Director’s Message | June 2025

In this month's Director's Message, IEI Director Sarah Hall provides an update on the EIAC's recommendations post forum and offers a future-forward look at IEI's programmatic work on North Carolina's infrastructure, including next year's forum on water.
Close-up shot of a black and clear plasma ball with a yellow "Future Forward Energy" logo sticker on the front.

Jun 12, 2025

Thought Leaders Convene at Emerging Issues Forum to Explore the Future of Energy

IEI held the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy on May 28 in Raleigh. Nearly 500 attendees representing a range of key sectors and regions gathered to examine the demands on North Carolina's evolving energy infrastructure.
A headshot of IEI Director Sarah Hall; text reads “Director’s Message, April 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Apr 25, 2025

Director’s Message | April 2025

With the 2024-25 academic year coming to a close, IEI Director Sarah Hall expresses gratitude to IEI's outstanding student interns and retiring Chancellor Woodson for his long-standing leadership and support. She also shares the excitement building around the 2025 Forum next month!

Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Community Initiatives Director Samantha Graham and City of Raleigh Sustainability Director Megan Anderson; text reads “Building Raleigh's Sustainable Future.”

Apr 21, 2025

Building Raleigh’s Sustainable Future

North Carolina's growing population demands a look at our infrastructure needs. As part of IEI's Future Forward series on energy, water and housing, this episode features IEI Community Initiatives Director Samantha Graham and City of Raleigh Sustainability Director Megan Anderson discussing Raleigh's sustainable infrastructure journey and how North Carolinians can get involved.