Industry Groups Double Down on Advocacy, Data and Workforce Initiatives
Including:
- Window & Door Manufacturers Association (below)
- Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance
- World Millwork Alliance
Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association and World Millwork Alliance continue to serve as primary gathering points for the door, window and millwork industries, bringing together manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and other stakeholders around shared priorities. It comes as no surprise, then, that commonalities exist among their initiatives.
As associations track the issues facing their members, they’re advancing similar agendas, including increased advocacy efforts, investments in data and workforce development, and new tools and other supportive offerings.
Window & Door Manufacturers Association
With deep roots in the nation’s capital, the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) is known for advancing policy-driven agendas. In 2026, officials say that includes a strong emphasis on housing affordability, regulatory reform and supply chain stability.
Under the leadership of president and CEO John Crosby, the association is aligning its initiatives around advocacy, data development and organizational strategy. In addition to housing, key initiatives include aggressive advocacy on tariffs, workforce and regulatory policy. The launch of new data and research efforts include an industry economic impact study. An “organizational strategy refresh” is also underway, Crosby says, with upcoming governance and dues structure review, and an expansion of member engagement through new tools, programs and events.
“The first quarter of 2026 has been incredibly busy for WDMA,” Crosby says.
The quarter has been defined by heightened advocacy activity, anchored by its annual Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Crosby tells [DWM]. Amid the summit, a series of issue briefs key members in on some of the most pressing challenges facing the door and window industries.
The U.S. housing shortage, estimated at between 3.5 million and 5.5 million homes, continues to drive up costs and constrain market access, he says. For this reason, WDMA’s advocacy strategy supports federal policies aimed at expanding housing supply and reducing barriers to construction—including backing legislation such as the ROAD to Housing Act and the Housing for the 21st Century Act, both of which seek to streamline permitting, modernize housing programs and incentivize development. Measures are designed to “accelerate timelines for housing development … and help bring housing to market faster and [with] lower development costs.”
The association is also supporting additional proposals, including the Make Housing Affordable Act, as part of a broader push to address systemic constraints on housing production. Central to this effort is the belief that reducing regulatory burdens and improving efficiency across the construction pipeline will benefit both manufacturers and end users, Crosby says.
Trade, Tariffs and Supply Chain Stability
Trade policy is another major focus for WDMA this year, particularly as manufacturers continue to navigate a global supply chain. The association has actively engaged with policymakers to advocate for tariff relief, Crosby says, adding, “Continuing dialogue … to seek tariff relief on imported components and raw materials that are vital to the manufacture of doors, windows, and skylights.”
The association’s position reflects a balancing act between supporting domestic manufacturing and ensuring cost stability, he says, adding that, while many products are produced in the U.S., certain materials are not available domestically in sufficient quantity or quality, making global sourcing essential.
WDMA has voiced support for targeted legislative solutions, such as the Housing Tariff Exemption Act, which would exempt key homebuilding materials from certain tariffs. The goal is to prevent unintended cost increases that could further strain housing affordability and delay construction activity, officials say.
“Tariffs on key building materials can increase the cost of homes and delay construction projects,” the association notes in its policy materials.
Workforce Challenges and Immigration Policy
WDMA is addressing workforce development through both training-focused policies and immigration reform advocacy, as, “Manufacturers in the door and window sectors continue to face labor shortages that impact production timelines and increase costs,” Crosby says. “These challenges are compounded by broader workforce constraints across the construction supply chain.”
WDMA’s approach emphasizes a balanced strategy—one that combines domestic workforce investment with modernized immigration pathways, to ensure manufacturers have access to the labor needed to meet demand.
For this reason, the association is supporting initiatives that expand access to training and career pathways, while also advocating for targeted immigration reforms, including the Dignity Act, a bipartisan proposal that would provide legal work authorization for certain individuals already contributing to the U.S. economy.
Regulatory and Environmental Policy Priorities
In addition to housing and workforce issues, WDMA is actively engaged in a range of regulatory and environmental policy discussions, Crosby says. This includes addressing extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws at the state level, while advocating for practical approaches to PFAS regulations.
“Proactively addressing the proliferation of extended producer responsibility laws across U.S. states” is among the association’s current priorities, he notes.
At the same time, WDMA is advocating for “reasonable relief with PFAS restrictions based on ‘unavoidable use’ determinations,” reflecting concerns about how evolving environmental regulations could impact manufacturing processes and material availability.
Energy codes are another area of focus, with the association working to support what it calls “reasonable updates to the International Energy Conservation Code.”
Efforts highlight WDMA’s role in ensuring that regulatory changes are both effective and practical for manufacturers, balancing environmental goals with industry realities, Crosby suggests.
Data, Research and Organizational Strategy
Beyond advocacy, WDMA is investing in data and research initiatives aimed at strengthening its value proposition to members. This includes the development of new tools to enhance its Annual Market Study, as well as the launch of a comprehensive economic impact study. The economic impact study is intended to “define the breadth and depth of the window, door, and skylight manufacturing industry,” providing a clearer picture of its contribution to the U.S. economy, Crosby says.
In parallel, the association is also preparing to launch a “digital subscription” program targeted at small manufacturers, designed to increase awareness of industry trends and policy developments.
At the organizational level, the association has also completed the development of a new strategic plan focused on reinforcing its impact and relevance. As part of this effort, officials will be reviewing governance structure, the membership dues model and WDMA’s role in industry data collection in the coming months.
Last, but not least, WDMA’s event strategy is also evolving, including a refreshed Technical Conference that’s now branded as “The FRAME.” Crosby says the event is set to play a central role in the association’s programming by focusing on research, advocacy and manufacturing excellence. This repositioning reflects a continued emphasis on delivering value through both policy leadership and technical expertise, he says.
As WDMA moves into the second quarter of 2026, its agenda reflects a comprehensive approach to industry challenges, Crosby suggests.
Next up: Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance