With intense competition at the forefront of the global knowledge-based economy, the United States must embrace a strategy of building a skilled workforce. In the New Economy, the flow of capital coalesces around regions that have high concentrations of talent. Despite evidence that skilled workers are a vital element of regional economic prosperity, access to and the affordability of quality higher education has eroded. This is due to reduced investment by states and the federal government, as well as heightened cost pressures of college and university operations. More visibility must be raised of the connection between state and regional workforce capacity and economic and social prosperity, and the cycle of growth that is created by public investment in higher education. Enhanced public support for institutions of higher education should be at the forefront of a strategy for building greater economic workforce capacity. Increased investment in human capital building, generating increased access to and participation in postsecondary education, may well be the most effective strategy for better positioning the nation in the global economy. State policy discussions regarding economic growth, improving quality of life, and long-term prosperity must focus on the critical role public colleges and universities play in creating talent. (Contains 2 figures and a list of resources.)