Director's Biography

Jennifer Matz is the Director of the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development. As Director, Jennifer oversees Development Projects, Business Attraction and Retention, Small Business, Film, International Trade and Commerce, Workforce Development, and the Neighborhood Development divisions. She led negotiations for Mayor Newsom with Oracle Racing that led to San Francisco being selected host of the 34th America's Cup in 2010 and worked with Mayor's Newsom and Lee to craft and pass the Central Market/Tenderloin Payroll Tax Exclusion in 2011.

Prior to her appointment as Director, Jennifer served as Managing Deputy Director and oversaw day-to-day management of the department. Jennifer was responsible for the development of the City's first ever Economic Development Strategy in 2007. She lead the development and implementation of the City's 2008 Local Economic Stimulus Plan, and was a key driver in developing and passing three targeted payroll tax exemptions for local businesses. Jennifer also coordinated the City team that developed and implemented a citywide Business Improvement District for hotels that is now providing over $20 million annually in funding for the SFCVB and Moscone Convention Center.

Previously, Jennifer was a Legislative Aide to Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier. An attorney by training, Jennifer was an associate at Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass and Morrison and Foerster. Jennifer is a graduate of Wesleyan University and received her law degree from the University of Michigan.