PRESENTED BY:

July 15, 2026

Help Pass the American Franchise Act

The bipartisan American Franchise Act (AFA) is the most significant franchise legislation in decades, and now is the one shot to get it done. IFA members are stepping up to make their voices heard in support of the bill, and we encourage all of our members to contact their lawmakers and register for the IFA26 Advocacy Summit.

Local Voices: In a recent DBusiness op-ed (pages 84-85), Ziebart Chief Marketing Growth Officer and IFA Board Member Larisa Walega explains why protecting the franchise model means protecting local entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Op-eds like these are critical for spreading the message about why lawmakers need to support their constituents’ businesses.

Take Action: In addition to attending the IFA Advocacy Summit, if you’d like to author an op-ed, host your lawmaker at your business, or reach out directly to their staff, please contact IFA’s Erica Farage. Follow the full advocacy playbook here.

Trump DOL Pick Under Consideration

Last month, President Trump announced his intent to nominate Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling to serve permanently as Secretary of Labor, formalizing the leadership of a longtime labor official who has led the Department of Labor since April. Sonderling’s nomination will be considered by the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee tomorrow, July 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET.

Why It Matters: The Department of Labor oversees federal workplace policies affecting wages, benefits, safety, and employer compliance—issues critical to franchise businesses. Sonderling’s nomination would provide permanent leadership at DOL, which announced its pro-franchise joint employer standard under Sonderling’s leadership.

What's Next: IFA will champion Sonderling’s nomination and continue to engage as it moves to the full Senate for consideration. To watch the hearing, click here.

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IFA Calls for Immigration Reform

Last week, IFA sent a letter urging Congress to immediately advance bipartisan, pro-growth legal immigration reforms.

Why It Matters: With the current U.S. labor shortage limiting growth across the franchise business sector, IFA is calling on modernizing the nation's outdated legal immigration framework.

What’s Next: This joint advocacy push sets the stage for a critical legislative stretch that could be the focus in 2027. IFA is working to ensure that the specific workforce needs of franchised businesses remain front and center as lawmakers negotiate federal policy.

California City Extends Drive-Thru Moratorium

The Culver City Council in California voted to extend its moratorium on new drive-thru permits for an additional 10 months and 15 days while staff prepares a permanent zoning ordinance for future consideration. The action does not affect existing drive-thrus.

Why It Matters: If ultimately adopted, the ruling would prohibit new drive-thru development citywide, limiting future franchise investment and restaurant development in Culver City.

What’s Next: The city will draft a permanent ordinance for review by the Planning Commission and City Council before the extended moratorium expires, and IFA will continue monitoring the proposal.

IFA26 Advocacy Summit Less Than Two Months Away

We are less than two months away from the most consequential IFA26 Advocacy Summit to date. As momentum grows for the American Franchise Act (AFA), we need everyone in franchising to come to Washington, D.C., to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill and push for the bill’s passage by year’s end.

Why It Matters: Opponents of the business model have repeatedly tried to put forth policy challenges trying to end franchising, and this bill will end the threat of an expanded joint employer standard once and for all. Watch IFA’s latest ad correcting common misperceptions here. 

Take Action: Register TODAY to meet directly with your congressional lawmakers and advocate for passage of the AFA to provide long-term certainty for your business. IFA does all the work - we just need you, your colleagues, franchisees, and all passionate franchise advocates to make this the biggest Advocacy Summit yet.