This report asserts that U.S. economic changes are significantly affecting the nation's workers and calls-for adoption of a new workforce-development agenda. The report is based on studies of economic forces in Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, and Missouri (states considered broadly representative of the nation as a whole) and of public and private responses to these forces. It recommends creating a system of lifelong, work-based learning making education and training institutions accountable for serving workforce needs; improving school-to-work transition; restructuring businesses to increase skills; and involving citizens in workforce development efforts.