Clay Toombs
Senior Development Manager
Clay is a member of Workbench’s development team, managing the entitlement and permitting process for assigned projects. His expertise in state housing law and land-use strategy supports Workbench and our clients in programming projects and navigating the planning process.
Prior to joining Workbench, Clay was an independent land-use consultant and contract project manager for 10 years. He holds a Master of Real Estate Development, a Master of Business Administration, and a B.S. in Aeronautical Management Technology, all from Arizona State University. He was a professional pilot for 16 years with 10K+ hours before embarking on his real estate career.
Noteable Projects
workbench
Clay is the development manager for several of Workbench’s projects in jurisdictions across Santa Cruz County and provides guidance on housing law and development strategy for clients and other members of the Workbench team.
Multifamily Acquisition and Strategy
Led the acquisition of the first multifamily project undertaken by Evergreen Development and initiated the multifamily division of the company. Later advised the company regarding California housing law as it considered expanding to the California market.
Santa Fe Trail Plaza | El Monte, CA
Obtained all entitlements and managed the development of a 114,000 sq. ft. grocery-anchored retail center. Project included assemblage of 52 legal parcels in a former CRA revitalization area.
Norm’s Restaurant | El Monte, CA
For a public-private partnership, the City of El Monte hired Clay as a contract City Planner to realize the city’s vision of bringing an iconic full-service restaurant to it’s downtown. The project was completed in a redevelopment area, included public funds (CDBG), was subject to CEQA and NEPA, and required several hundred pages of contract documents.
Shipping-Container Modular
For over seven years, Clay provided real estate and business strategy consulting to a manufacturer of modular schools and housing made from converted shipping containers. He was Interim V.P. of Operations as the company grew from apx. 10 to 50 employees. Later he led the acquisition of the company’s second factory and helped the company set up its manufacturing stations.
CVS Pharmacy | Bay Area
Working for a retail developer, Clay managed construction of seven CVS Pharmacy stores across the bay area, including three on Market Street in San Francisco.
Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market | SoCal
Managed development of Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market grocery stores, processing entitlements and building permits in jurisdictions throughout Southern California.
