As state political leaders look toward a postpandemic era, they are being presented with complex economic and workforce development challenges that will require intensive, intentional collaboration between business, higher education, and state government. Workforce participation rates remain far below prepandemic levels, businesses continue to struggle with a worker shortage, and supply chain disruptions have contributed to the highest inflation levels in 40 years. Coalitions of business and higher education leaders can help build a state agenda and a broad base of support for higher education. They use data to make the case for higher education, build support among the public, and engage directly with lawmakers. Research on business-higher education coalitions in Michigan and Virginia show that policy participants find the coalitions to be effective advocates because of their credibility, access to policy makers, highly regarded staff, and reform-based agenda.