Independent Workers Return to Washington to Support Main Street
DoorDash’s grassroots advocacy network, DashRoots, returned to Capitol Hill this year with a renewed and expanded mission: to champion policies that support independent workers and strengthen small businesses across America. Building on the momentum of last year’s successful campaign for “No Tax on Tips,” Dashers and local merchants from around the country once again traveled to Washington, D.C., this time to advocate for broader reforms focused on worker benefits and small business growth.
More than 20 Dashers and small business owners representing 12 states participated in DoorDash’s 2026 Congressional Lobby Day, holding nearly 50 meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff. Their goal was clear—bring the voices of real workers and business owners directly to elected officials and push for policy solutions that address the everyday realities of independent work and entrepreneurship.
These participants are members of DashRoots, DoorDash’s national advocacy network, which has grown to nearly 280,000 members. The initiative was created to empower Dashers, merchants, and consumers to engage directly in policymaking and advocate for legislation that supports economic opportunity, flexibility, and innovation in local communities.
According to DoorDash leadership, the importance of direct engagement with lawmakers cannot be overstated.
“Washington works best when real people are in the room, not just lobbyists or consultants,” said Alyssa Betz, Head of Federal Affairs at DoorDash. “For the second consecutive year, DashRoots brought Dashers and merchants from across the country face-to-face with the lawmakers who represent them. These are the people who power local economies, and they’re telling their own stories in their own words.”
One of the key issues discussed during this year’s meetings was the future of independent work and the need to modernize benefits systems for workers who value flexibility but also need access to financial security tools.
For years, debates around gig work have often framed the issue as a choice between flexibility and traditional employment protections. Dashers argued that this is a false choice. They believe workers should not have to sacrifice independence in order to gain access to benefits such as healthcare, retirement savings, and paid time off.
To address this challenge, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have introduced legislation aimed at enabling portable benefits for independent workers. Representative Kevin Kiley in the House and Senator Bill Cassidy in the Senate have proposed bills designed to remove federal barriers that currently limit benefit options for gig workers and freelancers.
The legislation would allow companies to contribute to benefit accounts for independent workers without risking worker classification changes—an issue that has historically complicated efforts to provide additional support.
DoorDash highlighted successful pilot programs already underway in several states as evidence that portable benefits can work in practice. In Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Maryland, nearly 14,000 Dashers participated in pilot programs that allowed them to build benefits through portable accounts. Across those programs, DoorDash contributed nearly $3 million toward worker benefits, which could be used for healthcare expenses, retirement planning, paid leave, and other personal financial needs.
Company leaders and Dashers say these early results demonstrate that innovative policy models can provide workers with both autonomy and security.
In addition to advocating for independent workers, DashRoots participants also focused on issues impacting small businesses—the restaurants, retailers, and entrepreneurs that form the backbone of local economies.
Small business owners shared firsthand accounts of the challenges they face, from rising operating costs and labor shortages to regulatory complexity and administrative burdens. Many emphasized that while starting a business is difficult, sustaining and growing one can be even harder without supportive public policy.
Their message to lawmakers was simple: reduce unnecessary barriers, lower costs, and create conditions that allow local businesses to thrive.
To support that effort, DoorDash promoted its “Unlocking Main Street” policy blueprint, a broader policy framework designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in an increasingly digital and competitive marketplace.
The blueprint outlines reforms aimed at reducing regulatory friction, simplifying business operations, and increasing economic opportunity for small businesses. According to DoorDash, implementing these recommendations nationwide could generate as much as $10 billion in combined savings and additional sales for local businesses.
The company says the initiative reflects its broader commitment to strengthening local commerce and helping neighborhood businesses compete more effectively.
At the conclusion of the day’s meetings, DoorDash hosted a special event to recognize lawmakers who have demonstrated strong support for policies benefiting Dashers, merchants, and local communities.
The company presented its inaugural “Legislator of the Year” awards to two members of Congress—one Republican and one Democrat—highlighting bipartisan support for issues related to independent work and small business development.
Representative Jason Smith was honored for his leadership as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and for his instrumental role in ensuring Dashers were included in last year’s “No Tax on Tips” initiative.
Representative Adam Gray received recognition for his early leadership on issues affecting independent workers and food accessibility since joining Congress.
DoorDash noted that honoring lawmakers from both parties reflects the company’s belief that support for independent workers and small businesses transcends political divisions.
As the gig economy continues to evolve and small businesses navigate economic uncertainty, DoorDash says it remains committed to advocating for practical policy solutions.
Through DashRoots and its broader public policy efforts, the company plans to continue engaging lawmakers at both the federal and state levels to advance legislation that protects flexible work opportunities, expands access to modern benefits, and strengthens the small businesses that drive local communities.
For Dashers and merchants who participated in this year’s advocacy day, the message was clear: policy decisions made in Washington have real consequences on their lives and livelihoods—and they intend to keep showing up to ensure their voices are heard.
With growing participation and increasing bipartisan attention, DashRoots appears poised to become an even more influential force in shaping the future of independent work and Main Street commerce in America.
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