Institute for Emerging Issues

10/19/2026

A few spots are still open for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative! During this four-day program, leaders explore how economics, education, public policy, data analytics and other core areas shape our workforce ecosystem. Leaders will walk away with actionable strategies to turn these insights into practical initiatives that help workers, businesses and families in their communities thrive.

🔗 Apply by Oct. 23 at go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader

10/12/2026

We are so excited to see IEI Digital Opportunities Initiative Lead Jess Epsten and Sara Nichols with Land of Sky Regional Council taking the virtual stage for NCImpact Initiative's next GPS Drivers of Change webinar! Expanding broadband is just the first step—the real transformation happens when we help communities get the most from digital access and make the connection count. Register now at https://ncimpact.sog.unc.edu/drivers-of-change-webinar-series/

10/12/2026

Enjoyed the day hearing about successful digital opportunity initiatives and sharing on a panel at the Digital Opportunity Gathering with the Institute for Emerging Issues in Durham yesterday! The panel, How Workforce Shows Up in Rural NC (Both East and West), highlighted various efforts across NC.

Photo: Jennifer Marlow, Branch Manager, Alleghany Public Library; Ben Farmer, Planning & Development Services Director, Upper Coastal Plain COG; Tatiana Magee, GIS Tech & Planner, High Country COG; Misty Bishop-Price, Director, Workforce Development, High Country COG; Margaret Sharpe, President, Tri County Industries (TCI Works); Bridget Phifer, CEO and Founder, Living Better Life

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

📣 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2027 Emerging Issues Forum: Future Forward Housing on Feb. 17 in Raleigh!

Housing touches every family, industry and community across North Carolina. Pioneering real solutions takes all of us at the table. As the grand finale of IEI's three-year Future Forward Infrastructure series, the 2027 forum will bring policymakers, industry experts, educators and community leaders together to tackle our state's most pressing housing challenges.

Why you need to be in the room:

🌎 Real-World Impact: Explore actionable strategies around housing supply, affordability, workforce needs and other focus areas.

🤝 Cross-Sector Collaboration: Connect directly with decision-makers from every sector driving North Carolina's growth.

🏡 A Lasting Legacy: Help set the trajectory for housing policy and community resilience for years to come.

Whether you are shaping local policy, building communities or growing our workforce, your voice matters in this conversation.

🎟️ Get your early bird tickets now at go.ncsu.edu/2027forum:facebook

09/29/2026

Ready to shape the future of your local economy and workforce? 💼 ✨

Applications are now open for the Fall 2026 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative! Join us Nov. 16-19 for an immersive professional development program designed to equip leaders with the strategic foresight needed to understand the economic and workforce conditions of their community and state, and leverage those strengths to capitalize on emerging opportunities and create impactful initiatives.

Spots are limited! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through Oct. 23, or until all spots are filled. Learn more and apply: go.ncsu.edu/workforceleader

09/18/2026

How are you using AI in your day-to-day work? 🤖 💻

Our friends at the NC State School of Public and International Affairs are conducting a new research study to examine how people are using artificial intelligence tools and systems on the job—and how AI is shaping the future of the public sector. Whether you are using AI daily or just starting to explore it, your input will help build a clearer picture of how technology is transforming our work across the state.

🔗 Learn more and take the survey at go.ncsu.edu/ai_in_gov_survey

09/17/2026

📣 We are thrilled to have Benton Institute for Broadband & Society Executive Director Dr. Revati Prasad join us as our keynote speaker for the 2026 NC Digital Opportunity Gathering!

In an era of rapid technological shifts and growing anxiety around AI, social media and data centers, what does it mean to work toward greater digital opportunity for all? This session will explore digital opportunity work in the context of broader, older debates: What shapes technological change? Whose interests does it serve? What kind of future does it promise?

View the agenda and register now: go.ncsu.edu/2026ncdog

09/17/2026

We're proud to partner with our friends at KC Digital Drive, the Kramden Institute and Digital Durham- Dig Durm for an interactive, hands-on Digital Divide Simulation. Whether you're a broadband expert, policymaker, educator or community leader, this event will change how you approach digital opportunity work. What you'll gain:

🌎 Real-World Perspective: Step into the shoes of community members facing limited tech access, device shortages and connectivity barriers.

👥 Collaborative Action: Connect with local leaders to turn insights into practical, community-led solutions for digital opportunity.

📅 Tuesday, Sept. 29, 1-4 p.m. in Durham, NC

🔗 Register now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digital-divide-simulation-9292026-tickets-1994423734077?aff=oddtdtcreator

Experience firsthand the real-world impact of unequal access to technology. KC Digital Drive, in partnership with Kramden Institute, Band NC, and Digital Durham, invites you to an interactive Digital Divide Simulation. This hands-on event is designed to shed light on the daily challenges faced by those with limited tech access and help us collaboratively explore solutions.

Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights and help us build a more inclusive digital society.

When: Tuesday, September 29, 1-4 p.m.
Register here: https://zurl.co/BxdPh

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/