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Future Forward Infrastructure

Decorative graphic with headshots of Dr. Kofi Boone, Mitchell Silver, and Jason Hardin; text reads “Designing Our Future: Sustainable Cities & Urban Planning, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

Jun 24, 2025

Designing Our Future: Sustainable Cities & Urban Planning

In this special episode of The Connector led by IEI interns, three urban planning experts explore the role education and community engagement plays in urban design and how we can integrate the next generation's vision into building resilient, sustainable cities. 

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. 

Headshots of IEI Director Sarah Hall with Pappas Real Estate Development Program Director Chuck Flink; text reads “The Connector, The Pappas Effect: Building Resilient Communities, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

Jun 17, 2025

The Pappas Effect: Building Resilient Communities

How is North Carolina preparing for its housing and real estate future? IEI Director Sarah Hall and Director of NC State’s Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program Chuck Flink discuss the Pappas program’s mission to foster resilient communities and sustainable land use, revealing its impact and future plans for addressing the state’s growth-driven challenges. 

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, May 2025, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”.

May 30, 2025

Director’s Message | May 2025

IEI Director Sarah Hall shares an electrifying recap of the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy, including some of her key takeaways. Plus, an exciting sneak peek at next year’s forum, Future Forward Water, which will also mark a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of 40 years of the Emerging Issues Forum! 

Headshots of IEI Community Initiatives Director Samantha Graham and City of Raleigh Sustainability Director Megan Anderson; text reads “The Connector, Building Raleigh's Sustainable Future, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

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. 

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

Jan 30, 2025

Director’s Message | January 2025

To kick off 2025, IEI Director Sarah Hall shares what she enjoys most about the Emerging Issues Forum and what people can expect on Feb. 19 at the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy. 

Jan 17, 2025

Agenda Announced for the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum

IEI is pleased to announce that Duke Energy President Harry Sideris and IBM Global Leader for Responsible AI Phaedra Boinodiris will be among the many speakers at the 2025 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Energy.