James Lipscomb is a land acquisition and development specialist with more than 30 years of experience shaping residential and commercial growth across Clayton, Johnston County, and the greater Triangle region.

As the leader of Lipscomb Development and co-founder of HomeTowne Realty, James has overseen more than $350 million in development projects. His expertise spans site selection, land valuation, entitlement strategy, and long-range planning, with a focus on delivering projects that align with both market demand and community needs.

A lifelong resident of Clayton, James brings an unmatched understanding of local growth patterns, infrastructure planning, and municipal processes. His collaborative approach allows him to work effectively with local governments, planners, and stakeholders to move projects forward responsibly and efficiently.

His development perspective is further strengthened by his ownership of HomeTowne Hospitality, giving him direct insight into how commercial spaces function from both an operational and customer experience standpoint. This cross-industry experience informs how he approaches mixed-use and commercial development opportunities.

James has a long history of public service and community leadership. He served on the Clayton Town Council from 1993 to 2003, where he played a role in projects such as the transformation of the The Clayton Center. He also helped establish the Clayton Downtown Development Association and currently serves as its Chairman.

He remains active on the Town of Clayton Planning Board and has led the Clayton Harvest Festival for decades, currently serving as Chairman.

James was recognized as the 2015 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Clayton.

Through Lipscomb Development, he continues to focus on responsible growth, strategic land use, and creating developments that add long-term value to the communities they serve.

Rooted In Community