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We are three weeks away from the 2026 Emerging Issues Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City.
This year’s forum will examine the pressing challenges facing our state’s water infrastructure and offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect locally on this issue. As the second installment of the 2025-2027 Future Forward Infrastructure series, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. |
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Weathering the Storm: Rethinking Resiliency in Our Water Systems |
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Hurricanes, floods and droughts are already reshaping water systems across North Carolina. From Hurricane Helene in the west and Tropical Storm Chantal in the Piedmont to the constant coastal hurricanes in the east, this session will examine the pressure extreme weather places on our drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Speakers will share insights on how communities can prepare today for a more resilient future.
Session topics will be the same in Asheville, Winston-Salem and Morehead City, with different speakers providing unique perspectives at each location. View the agenda and speaker list for each location by clicking the buttons below. |
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| RegistrationWe are excited to offer a reduced registration rate for this year’s forum. |
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Scholarships and Special Rates |
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| Forum ScholarshipsA limited number of scholarships are still available to cover the cost of forum registration for residents of eastern and western North Carolina. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Questions? Contact IEI Policy and Program Manager Tarik Woods at tjw...@ncsu.edu. |
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Faith and Community MembersThanks to the generous support of The Duke Endowment, faith and community leaders can attend the forum at no cost. This includes individuals connected to The Duke Endowment, such as rural church clergy, lay leaders, laity and community partners participating in the IEI Faith & Community Initiative. Space is limited at each location. Select "TDE-Eligible Partners and Faith Leaders" as your registration type.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact IEI Community Initiatives Program Specialist Madeline Kujabi at mpku...@ncsu.edu. |
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| Celebrating 40 Years of the Forum |
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| Since 1986, the Emerging Issues Forum has been recognized as a landmark annual event that brings together thought leaders, community advocates, educators, policymakers, tech innovators and more to discuss issues with profound implications for North Carolina’s future prosperity. These critical conversations have helped catalyze the policy reforms, public investments and other proactive responses required to build an enduring capacity for progress and future prosperity in North Carolina.
Listen to this conversation with former IEI Director Leslie Boney and the late former Governor Jim Hunt about the origins of the forum. |
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Follow us on social to keep in touch and stay updated. |
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