Roofing Day in D.C.: The importance of advocacy

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Over 260 roofing professionals share needs for workforce development, immigration reform and fair tax policies during Roofing Day in D.C. 2025.

Since 2018 the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) has brought the industry together each spring in Washington for Roofing Day in D.C. The annual event creates a space for roofing professionals to meet with lawmakers, advocate for the industry and build a stronger future. Featuring expert speakers and panel discussions, Roofing Day in D.C. provides both education and inspiration before participants head to Capitol Hill for meetings with members of Congress and their staff.

They also have the chance to connect with peers from across the country. Companies are encouraged to bring key employees to experience advocacy in action. RoofersCoffeeShop® has proudly sponsored and attended every Roofing Day in D.C. since it began. Each year the team helps advocate for priorities such as funding for career and technical education, immigration reform and support for pro-growth tax policy.

According to Duane Musser of NRCA, who has helped lead the initiative since its launch, the message from the industry remains focused and consistent. Over 260 roofing professionals attended Roofing Day in D.C. this year. “It was very successful,” said Deb Mazol, NRCA’s governmental affairs leader and one of the main organizers. “We had roofing professionals from more than 35 states meeting with both House and Senate representatives.”

The Oregon delegation had the unique opportunity to meet with Lori Chavez-DeRemer, former Oregon Congresswoman and current Secretary of Labor. “It was an amazing meeting where we were able to share concerns of the roofing industry and relate them to broader construction needs,” said James Ellsworth, Chief of Staff for The Coffee Shops™ and an Oregon delegate. “We found that the Secretary shares many of our concerns around workforce challenges and was very supportive.”

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announced plans for a 50-state tour to hear directly from workers and businesses across the country. She encouraged NRCA and roofing leaders to suggest meeting opportunities that would showcase the challenges and opportunities within the roofing workforce. Her goal is to better understand how skilled trades, training programs and workforce policy can be improved nationwide.

Roofing is a $100-billion industry employing nearly one million people. It plays a vital role in building and maintaining homes, schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure. This year, Roofing Day in D.C. attendees advocated for several key legislative priorities to support workforce growth and pro-business tax policy.

The industry is asking Congress to:

• Increase funding for Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants by $70 million to help close the skilled labor gap
• Support the Stronger Workforce for America Act to improve training programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
• Co-sponsor the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act to create a visa system that meets current workforce needs
• Allow individuals working under Temporary Protected Status or DACA to adjust to permanent legal status and remain in the workforce

Tax priorities include:

• Passing the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to permanently maintain the Section 199A deduction for small businesses
• Supporting the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act to restore full deductions for research and development expenses
• Maintaining energy efficiency incentives such as the 179D deduction and 45L home energy tax credit

Feedback from Roofing Day in D.C. participants was overwhelmingly positive. While many acknowledged ongoing challenges, most reported encouraging conversations with their legislators. There was broad support for the roofing industry’s priorities, especially around workforce development, immigration solutions and fair tax treatment.

Roofing Day in D.C. continues to be a powerful experience for attendees and a meaningful step toward stronger advocacy and a more sustainable future for the industry.