Institute for Emerging Issues

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 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/

⏰ 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