SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development
Lowell Afdahl Rice possesses extensive experience in workforce development and economic initiatives, currently serving as the Manager for the First Source Hiring Program at the SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development since February 2020. Prior roles include Sr. Business Services Specialist at the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Business Services Manager at The Oakland Job Center. Throughout the career, Lowell has focused on job recruitment, training, and retention, successfully organizing job fairs and collaborating with businesses and community organizations to enhance employment resources. Additionally, Lowell held leadership positions at the Oakland Commerce Corp and the Greater Northwest Chicago Development Corp, specializing in industrial development and workforce initiatives. Academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kenyon College.
SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development
OEWD’s programs are responsible for strengthening San Francisco’s many diverse neighborhoods and commercial corridors, creating a business climate where companies can grow and prosper, and ensuring a continually high quality of life for all San Franciscans. By providing one point of contact for a variety of essential City programs and services, OEWD’s goal is to ensure that San Francisco will always be what it is today: one of the best places on the planet to live, work, and play. Business Attraction and Retention: Attracting and retaining businesses, with an emphasis on key industry clusters. Small Business Assistance: One-stop resource center providing information and resources for start-ups and expanding small businesses Workforce Development: Overall strategic coordination for the City’s workforce system, including implementing job training programs aimed at providing residents (particularly those with multiple barriers to employment) with access to today’s jobs. Joint Development: Managing major public-private development projects to maximize long-term public benefits, including affordable housing, jobs and economic development, and open space. Neighborhood Development: Facilitating the revitalization of commercial corridors in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods and creating Community Benefit Districts (CBD) throughout the City. Filming and Production: Promoting San Francisco as a film destination to filmmakers and spurring additional City revenue and jobs by attracting and facilitating film productions. International Trade and Commerce: Increasing international business opportunities in the City, fostering San Francisco’s award-winning Sister City program and attracting and expanding international airlines in partnership with San Francisco International Airport