The American Fence Association works to advance the legislative and regulatory priorities of fence, gate, and perimeter security professionals in the fence industry.
Advocacy
We, at the AFA, pursue initiatives and act on issues that help our member companies succeed and grow. As a leader in the industry, the AFA also partners with other organizations throughout the country to raise awareness about the issues that are important to fence professionals.
At the AFA, we track and monitor legislative, regulatory, and legal issues that may have an impact on fence, gate, and perimeter security professionals and businesses in the fence industry. Our Government Relations and Industry Standards Director works closely with our Board of Directors, our Government Relations committee, and our Chapters throughout the country.
The Government Relations committee is comprised of AFA members from various sectors of the industry. The Committee works together to help evaluate the policies that affect our member companies. They accomplish this by working directly with our Director of Government Relations and Industry Standards, our Chapters, and individual members. The Committee also educates themselves on the issues that are important to membership businesses and presents them to our Board of Directors. With BOD approval, our staff can then advocate for these policy initiatives and set our policy agenda. AFA members, through our Chapters, also work with our Director of Government Relations and Industry Standards to enact change at the local level through grassroots activism.
Contact Your Representatives
You can contact your local and federal representatives through the link below.
Who Represents Me?
2025 POLICY AGENDA
As we move into 2025, we look to a bright future for our industry, which is constantly evolving, experiencing new technologies and continuing to meet increased demand throughout the country and world. To ensure continued growth, stability, and competitiveness, we advocate for policies that address economic conditions, limit negative regulatory impact, and create opportunities for workforce development. The following policy agenda outlines the key priorities for the fence industry in 2025, as we work to strengthen the sector and its impact on the broader economy.
1. Economic Growth
A strong economy is foundational to the success of any industry. We call for policies that foster economic stability, support businesses, and create opportunities for growth in the fence industry.
• Tax Relief for Industry Businesses: We advocate for tax reform that reduces the burden on businesses, such as expanding tax credits and deductions for equipment purchases, workforce development, and other investments that improve business operations.
• Infrastructure Investment: We support increased public investment in infrastructure, particularly projects that require fencing, security barriers, and other protective measures. Federal and state funding for infrastructure will drive demand for fence installations and provide new opportunities for the industry.
• Access to Capital: We support policies that increase access to financing, including loans and grants, for small businesses that are looking to invest in new equipment, technology, and workforce development.
• Minimizing Inflationary Pressures: The rising costs of materials and labor are among the most significant challenges faced by the fence industry. We urge policymakers to pursue measures that address inflationary pressures.
2. Global Trade Policy
Global trade policies and supply chain disruptions affect the availability and cost of materials for the fence industry. We support policies that promote fair trade practices and ensure the smooth flow of essential materials.
• Supply Chain Resilience: We support policies that strengthen supply chain resilience, particularly in the context of material shortages, transportation delays, and global crises. Investment in domestic manufacturing and logistics infrastructure will ensure that materials are readily available for fence businesses.
• Fair Trade Policies: We urge policymakers to negotiate fair trade deals on finished products and essential raw materials like steel, aluminum, and plastic, which are critical to fence production.
3. Regulatory Reform and Safety Standards
While the fence industry requires regulatory oversight to ensure safety and quality, excessive or outdated regulations can hamper growth and innovation. We advocate for common-sense regulations that protect workers and consumers while allowing businesses to thrive.
• Streamlining Licensing and Permitting Requirements: In many regions, lengthy and complicated permitting and licensing requirements can delay fence installations and increase costs. We support processes, particularly for fence installation in both residential and commercial settings, that reduce unnecessary delays and expenses.
• Standards and Code Enforcement: The AFA works closely with standards and code development organizations like ASTM, UL, DASMA, and ICC. We work with these organizations to improve safety and ensure the fence industry’s best practices are considered when these organizations are adopting codes and standards.
• Opposition to Overregulation: We oppose regulations that create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles or impose excessive compliance costs on small and medium-sized businesses. Regulatory burdens should be kept to a reasonable level to ensure that businesses can operate efficiently and safely without being overburdened by red tape.
4. Workforce Development
The fence industry, like many others, continues to grapple with workforce shortages. To ensure long-term growth and competitiveness, we support policies that address the skills gap, provide workforce training and give employers options when filling their workforce needs.
• Expanding Access to the H-2B Visa Program: The fence industry supports increased access to labor through this visa program. While Congress has given temporary increases to the current cap of 66,000 H-2B visas, we would like to see those increases made permanent. We call on Congress to raise the cap and provide more flexibility to meet the seasonal demands of the industry, ensuring that businesses can find qualified workers for peak periods.
• Support for Education and Training Programs: We advocate for policies that increase federal and state support for workforce training programs, including certifications, continuing education, and skills development programs specifically tailored to the fence industry. Tax incentives for businesses that invest in workforce development will help bridge the skills gap and prepare the next generation of workers.
o We support H.R.1151 The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, this legislation would expand the eligible uses of tax-favorable 529 savings plan to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs. It would also allow 529 plans to be used to pay for examinations necessary to obtain and maintain recognized private professional certifications and other credentials.
• Veterans Employment Initiatives: We support initiatives aimed at recruiting and transitioning military veterans into the workforce, offering stable, well-paid careers in the fence industry. Programs that provide training, certification, and job placement services for veterans are vital to addressing labor shortages.
5. Employee Benefits
Attracting and retaining skilled workers is not just about wages; employee benefits play a crucial role in worker satisfaction and retention. We support policies that help businesses provide competitive, affordable benefits to their employees while balancing the needs of employers.
• Affordable Healthcare Options: Rising healthcare costs continue to be a major concern for small and large industry businesses. We support policies that make health insurance more affordable for businesses, particularly in the form of tax credits and incentives for offering employer-sponsored healthcare plans.
• Association Health Plans: We support the creation of Association Health Plans. AHPs are a type of group plan that allows multiple employers to band together to purchase health coverage to access group rates, access broader networks, ultimately allowing for a better and more affordable plan.
o We support H.R. 2528, The Associations Health Plans Act, which would expand health care choices for small business and self-employed individuals through the association health plans. Conclusion The fence industry is positioned for continued growth and innovation in 2025 and beyond. By supporting these policies, we can ensure that the industry remains competitive, resilient, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The American Fence Association is committed to working with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advance these goals and create a robust future for the fence industry.
Conclusion
The fence industry is positioned for continued growth and innovation in 2025 and beyond. By supporting these policies, we can ensure that the industry remains competitive, resilient, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. The American Fence Association is committed to working with policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders to advance these goals and create a robust future for the fence industry.
