Advocacy Helps Franchise Businesses Succeed
Franchising has a long and proud history of making the American Dream possible — for brands, local owners, and the millions of people employed by franchise businesses in communities across the country.
At the International Franchise Association (IFA), our award-winning Government Relations team works every day to protect, enhance and promote the 830,000 franchise establishments nationwide. From the White House and Congress to state legislatures and city halls, we are your voice in the room — advocating for policies that help your business succeed.
IFA Government Relations
But advocacy doesn’t stop with us — it starts with you.
Policymakers want to hear directly from local business owners who are creating jobs, investing in their communities, and making an impact. That’s why IFA provides our members with the tools, events, and opportunities to make their voices heard:
- Action alerts and policy updates to keep you informed and engaged
- Advocacy events like the annual IFA Advocacy Summit, where members meet directly with lawmakers
- Tools and training to help you share your story with confidence
- Opportunities to host elected officials at your business to see franchising in action
Whether you’re a franchisee, franchisor, or supplier, your story matters — and IFA makes brings you into the conversation.
The all-American business model of franchising is one of the greatest pathways to upward mobility, and we are honored to represent the people who power it every day. Let’s keep working together to ensure that franchising remains a strong, sustainable engine for economic growth and opportunity.
We focus on the policy areas that matter most to franchising because we know how much is at stake for you, your employees, and your community.
Read more about these policies in the IFA 2025 Roadmap for Franchise Growth:
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Franchising by the Numbers
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The Impact of Franchising
Franchising drives economic growth, champions diversity, empowers veterans, and strengthens communities.
Franchising By State
Learn about IFA legislative priorities, economic output and lawmaker contact information from across the country.
Open for Opportunity
We showcase the positive stories of franchising with local business owners, elected officials and community leaders.
Meet Our Advocacy Team
Michael Layman
Chief Advocacy Officer
202.662.4177
mlayman@franchise.org
Erica Farage
SVP, Political & Advocacy
202.662.0760
efarage@franchise.org
Jeff Hanscom
SVP, State and Local Government Relations
202.662.4179
jhanscom@franchise.org
Sarah Davies
General Counsel & Executive Director, IFA Law Center
832.385.5628
sdavies@franchise.org
Haider Murtaza, CFE
Senior Director, Federal Government Relations
202.774.2068
haider@franchise.org
Matthew W. Kagel
Director, State & Local Government Relations
202.662.4176
mkagel@franchise.org
Anna Russell, CFE
Director, Political Affairs
240.575.4211
arussell@franchise.org
Paul Calkins, Jr., CFE
Manager, Government Relations
202.662.0784
pcalkins@franchise.org
Makenzie Mullinax
Coordinator, Government Relations
205.907.8165
mmullinax@franchise.org