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Director’s Message | May 2025

Future Forward Infrastructure

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

Apr 30, 2026

Director’s Message | April 2026

In honor of Earth Day, IEI Director Sarah Hall reflects on the vital role of nature-based solutions in addressing North Carolina's critical infrastructure challenges. She also highlights the forward-thinking work of NC State faculty and students who are already leading the way by implementing these sustainable strategies across the state.
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.
Video thumbnail of IEI Policy & Program Manager Tarik Woods, NC Dept. of Commerce Assistant Secretary of Workforce Solutions Andrea DeSantis, NC Chamber Senior Director of Infrastructure Competitiveness Dana Magliola and NC Justice Center Senior Energy Policy Advocate Claire Williamson; text reads “The Connector, Watt's Next?, NC State University Institute for Emerging Issues.”

Dec 2, 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.
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.
Video thumbnail of IEI’s 2024-2025 Hunt Intern Katherine Helms, NC State University Joseph D. Moore Distinguished Professor and Faculty Scholar Dr. Kofi Boone, City of Raleigh Senior Energy & Sustainability Strategist James Hardin and Former McAdams Principal and Vice President of Urban Planning Mitchell Silver; text reads “The Connector, 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 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.
Video thumbnail featuring photos of IEI Director Sarah Hall and Peter A. Pappas Real Estate Development Program Director Chuck Flink; text reads “The Pappas Effect.”

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!