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.

We are thrilled to welcome Lucy Berrier Matheson to as our new Associate Director! In this role, Lucy will be leading ...
08/24/2026

We are thrilled to welcome Lucy Berrier Matheson to as our new Associate Director! In this role, Lucy will be leading IEI’s policy and program initiatives, including the Institute’s flagship Emerging Issues Forum and community initiatives, as well as working alongside IEI's Director on organizational strategy and impact.

➡️ Read Lucy's Q&A at https://iei.ncsu.edu/2026/08/20/lucy-berrier-matheson-joins-iei-as-new-associate-director/

From aging systems to emerging contaminants like PFAS, North Carolina's water infrastructure is facing a major wave of c...
07/06/2026

From aging systems to emerging contaminants like PFAS, North Carolina's water infrastructure is facing a major wave of challenges—a reality explored deeply at the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Water back in February.

To help communities navigate these hurdles, IEI is excited to release "Strategies for Strengthening Our Water Infrastructure." Developed by the Water Infrastructure Advisory Council, these strategies are actionable, collaborative solutions designed to strengthen local water systems, support decision-makers and prepare North Carolina to meet both current needs and future demands.

"Water infrastructure challenges don’t exist in silos, and neither should the solutions. By bringing together experts from multiple sectors and regions, we were able to develop strategies that reflect a broad range of experiences. Throughout this process, we heard a common message: Collaboration is essential. These strategies provide a starting point for continued partnership and action across the state.” — Jessica Solis Aguilar, IEI Policy and Program Manager

💧 Ready to build water-resilient communities across NC? Read more and explore the strategies at https://iei.ncsu.edu/2026/07/05/new-strategies-offer-north-carolina-communities-solutions-for-water-challenges/

🎉 A huge congratulations to our fourth cohort of Strategic Workforce Leaders! These incredible leaders in workforce and ...
07/02/2026

🎉 A huge congratulations to our fourth cohort of Strategic Workforce Leaders! These incredible leaders in workforce and economic development, education, community organizations and other sectors across North Carolina have officially completed the Spring 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative (SWLI).

Over the course of the program, the cohort gained the skills and foresight needed to navigate workforce development challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities in their communities. The Spring 2026 SWLI graduates join an exclusive group of 96 designated Strategic Workforce Leaders driving real change from the mountains to the coast.

A big thank you to all of our guest speakers and partners: NCWorks, the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards and the Workforce Leadership Institute!

Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication to building a stronger, more resilient NC! Read more and meet the cohort at https://iei.ncsu.edu/2026/07/02/iei-celebrates-fourth-cohort-of-the-strategic-workforce-leadership-initiative/

📣 Are you a strategic storyteller who knows how to elevate a brand and move people to action? We're looking for a Direct...
06/16/2026

📣 Are you a strategic storyteller who knows how to elevate a brand and move people to action? We're looking for a Director of Marketing and Communications to strengthen our brand, amplify our impact, and help drive how we share our mission, values and insights with the world. In this role, you will lead the development and ex*****on of IEI's communications and marketing strategy, partnering with leaders and key stakeholders across the state to build a stronger, more resilient North Carolina. If you're a visionary leader who thrives on collaboration and creative storytelling, we want to hear from you!

🔗 Apply now at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/231010

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

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