Institute for Emerging Issues

Institute for Emerging Issues Connecting North Carolina to ideas and North Carolinians to each other.

The Institute for Emerging Issues brings people together around complex issues in pursuit of a single goal: to ensure North Carolina’s future competitiveness.

With experienced operators, engineers and inspectors retiring faster than they can be replaced, North Carolina's water i...
05/20/2026

With experienced operators, engineers and inspectors retiring faster than they can be replaced, North Carolina's water industry is facing a workforce shortage–one that directly threatens the state’s public health and economic development.

In a new episode, IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar sits down with City of High Point Government's Bill Frazier, Carteret Community College's Perry Harker and Daniel Manring with Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority to discuss how we can build a stronger pipeline for the next generation of water sector leaders. Together, they explore solutions such as community college training, apprenticeships, certification reforms and industry partnerships.

🎧 Listen to or watch the episode: https://iei.ncsu.edu/2026/05/20/investing-in-our-water-workforce/

⏰ Final Call! Today is the last day to apply for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative. Led by exper...
05/08/2026

⏰ Final Call! Today is the last day to apply for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative. Led by experts in workforce and economic development, this four-day program will explore topics such as economics, data analytics, the public policy process, storytelling, skills development and much more.

Submit your application by 5 p.m. at go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader

The conversations didn't end at the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum, they're just getting started! To keep the momentum rolli...
05/06/2026

The conversations didn't end at the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum, they're just getting started! To keep the momentum rolling on Future Forward Water, we're thrilled to launch a special new series on podcast–Water Wednesdays💧🎙️

In our kickoff episode, IEI Policy and Program Manager Jessica Solis Aguilar is joined by North Carolina Coastal Federation's Kerri Allen, WNC Recovery's Scott Elliott and Emily Sutton with the Haw River Assembly for a deep dive into the challenges reshaping North Carolina's water systems. From extreme weather and rapid population growth to aging infrastructure and labor shortages, these experts share insight on what it really takes to build a more resilient water future for all North Carolinians.

Tune in at https://iei.ncsu.edu/2026/05/06/rethinking-resiliency-in-our-water-systems/

There's still time to apply! Don't miss your chance to join the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative fr...
05/05/2026

There's still time to apply! Don't miss your chance to join the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative from June 15-18. With 100% of past participants finding value in the program, leaders walk away with the skills and strategic vision needed to thrive in workforce and economic development. Applications are open through May 8, or until all spots are filled. Spots are limited! Apply now at go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader

Are you a visionary leader who wants to help shape the future of North Carolina?Join   as our Associate Director! This p...
05/05/2026

Are you a visionary leader who wants to help shape the future of North Carolina?

Join as our Associate Director! This pivotal leadership role is designed for a strategic thinker who understands North Carolina’s political and economic landscape, and is passionate about public policy and creating long-term community impact.

As IEI’s Associate Director, you will:
• Play a key role in developing IEI’s strategic vision
• Formulate statewide efforts that bring people together to solve our state’s most critical challenges
• Oversee program planning and implementation, ensuring IEI’s initiatives translate into measurable policy outcomes

🔗 Learn more and apply today: https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/229849

TOMORROW: Don't miss BAND-NC's storytelling webinar feat. experts from the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, ...
04/15/2026

TOMORROW: Don't miss BAND-NC's storytelling webinar feat. experts from the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, NC State Extension and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology!

Explore how storytelling elevates community voices, drives social change and shapes the future of digital access in North Carolina. Whether you're a community leader, digital advocate or policymaker, this session will provide the roadmap you need to turn local stories into statewide impact.

🔗 Register now: go.ncsu.edu/bandnc-webinar

Back by popular demand!Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative. Join us ...
04/09/2026

Back by popular demand!

Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative. Join us June 15-18 for this comprehensive professional development program designed to equip leaders with the skills and strategic foresight needed to understand the economic and workforce conditions of their community and state, and leverage those strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Spots are limited. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through May 8, or until all spots are filled.

🔗 Learn more and apply at go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader

Join BAND-NC, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, NC State Extension and North Carolina Department of Informati...
04/03/2026

Join BAND-NC, Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, NC State Extension and North Carolina Department of Information Technology for a webinar on storytelling! Learn how storytelling elevates community voices and demonstrates how digital access and skills drive social change. The session will also highlight best practices, resources and strategies that address the unique needs of NC communities while informing policy and strengthening the state's digital opportunity landscape.

📅 Thurs., April 16 at 1 p.m. via Zoom

Register here: go.ncsu.edu/bandnc-webinar

The momentum throughout today has been phenomenal! 🎉The theme, Making Your Mark, perfectly captures the heart of IEI, as...
03/25/2026

The momentum throughout today has been phenomenal! 🎉

The theme, Making Your Mark, perfectly captures the heart of IEI, as we continue our mission of connecting North Carolinians across sectors, regions and perspectives to address the state's most critical policy issues. By giving a gift today, you're helping us bring thought leaders together to tackle challenges in education, healthcare, the built and natural environments, and the economy.

No gift is too small, and every gift makes a difference. 🐺❤️

🔗 Help us spread the word and at go.ncsu.edu/give-iei

03/25/2026

Today is the day to make your mark! 🐺❤️

It’s Day of Giving, and at IEI, we’re reflecting on the incredible impact our partners and supporters have had across NC and beyond. This year is particularly memorable as we continue celebrating 40 years of the Emerging Issues Forum, a vision started by former Governor Jim Hunt.

Hear from NC State University junior Rosie Thyne ‘27, our fifth Hunt Intern, as she shares her internship experience, what means and a special thank you to all of our IEI champions. 🎥⬇️

🔗 Make a gift today at go.ncsu.edu/give-iei

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