Economic Development

Tom Cole joined the City of Santa Clarita as Community Development Director in December 2012, where he managed the City’s Planning, Economic Development, Community Preservation, and Redevelopment operations. In July 2022, Tom became the director of the newly formed Department of Economic Development. In this position, he manages the City’s Arts and Events, Economic Development, and Transit divisions. Tom has lived and worked in Santa Clarita for more than 30 years. Prior to joining the City of Santa Clarita, he served as Chief Operations Officer for the William S. Hart Union School District, and has held several local leadership roles, including Business Development/Project Management with Wimsatt Contracting Company; Vice President/Director of Construction at Highland Development Company; Director of Development at LNR Property; and Senior Project Manager with Newhall Land and Farming. He has also served in community organizations, including the SC Rotary Club and the YMCA Board.