Video Explains Problems with TIRZs as Revitalization Tools

    HALTOM CITY, TX, January 02, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A free video series has been created by Make Haltom City Thrive Again to alert citizens about challenges faced in the south and central areas of the city and offer practical suggestions for turning things around. In each video, HUBA founder Ron Sturgeon addresses one or more specific issues that directly relate to Haltom City.

Sturgeon is a fierce advocate for small businesses and believes that private investment is the key to revitalizing inner city areas. In the video entitled Other City's Successes - Build it and they Will Come – TIRZS and Other Mistakes, Ron talks about the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZs) which were recently adopted by the city.

According to Ron, it is unlikely that the TIRZs will spur growth in the areas needed in Haltom City. In the video, he explains why TRIZs don't bring small businesses back to an area that needs them. He also points to his recently published book, Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America's Small Cities - The Critical Role Small Businesses Play in Bringing Back Jobs & Prosperity, which has a chapter called "Failed Revitalization Ideas" that expounds on TRIZs and other unsuccessful strategies. Says Ron, "A smart fellow learns from his mistakes - but the really smart fellow learns from the other guys' mistakes."

As to the phrase "Build it and they Will Come," Ron is talking about the need for a planning and zoning system that encourages growth and development. As things stand now, the process is time-consuming, costly, and sometimes arbitrary, and has the effect of discouraging private investment rather than encouraging it. Local real estate broker Roger Smeltzer, Jr, concurs in a recent Facebook comment: "Can't tell you how many leases and buyers I've had to steer away from Haltom City over unnecessary city requirements not imposed by North Richland Hills or even Fort Worth… I hope your folks win and help the city find a successful path forward."

In addition to working with HUBA and writing the book, Sturgeon recently launched the Make Haltom City Thrive Again (MHCTA) movement with has a dedicated website for those that want to learn more. As part of the effort, Ron will send a free copy of Keeping the Lights On to any Haltom City resident or business owner who sends a request (along with their name and mailing address) to Ron Sturgeon at [email protected].

About Haltom City
Haltom City is a diverse, majority working-class city located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, TX. Haltom City is minutes from both the DFW Airport and Downtown Fort Worth with direct access to major highways including I-820 and SH-121. Due to an outdated and restrictive use matrix that discourages new business and deters growth, several areas of Haltom City have seen a decline in small businesses which provided goods and services and were a significant source of jobs, including the once-thriving automotive industry. However, Haltom City can reverse this trend and should prioritize development of inner-city land and vacant buildings, particularly in the major corridors close to the city's center. The city is financially healthy with a capable manager and staff who would like to see diverse business development occur and need the support of the City Council to make it happen.

About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
The Make Haltom City Thrive Again is a movement to return prosperity to the older parts of South and Central Haltom City by luring the small businesses that have left over the past decades back to Haltom City. A vibrant business community not only allows for greater employment and choice of goods and services, but also can ease the tax burden on residents. The movement is led by local entrepreneur and business owner Ron Sturgeon. For more on Sturgeon's ideas and background, check out his book, Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America's Small Cities and watch the videos on his Facebook page. Ron is also the founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) which represents existing business interests in Haltom City and promotes growth of diverse businesses. HUBA is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. If/when Ron endorses candidates, he will do so on his own via the Make Haltom City Thrive Again organization.

About Haltom United Business Alliance
Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wants to give members of Haltom City's business community an advocate and to keep those businesses informed about issues that affect them. They want to make sure Haltom City is business friendly and nurtures small business growth, including automotive businesses in the industrial districts, and bring more restaurants including breweries and eventually a major grocery store to the city. New businesses and growth in existing businesses will create a stronger tax base which will allow the city to pay its first responders wages that are competitive with surrounding cities while improving Haltom City's facilities and infrastructure. HUBA believes that the southern and central parts of the city need a revitalization plan, to prevent further degradation in those areas, and wants that to happen before the inner-city experiences increased crime and more blight. As retail and office uses are in decline, it's more critical than ever to attract new businesses. They believe that such a plan requires a strong relationship and support of the business community. Anyone who owns a business in Haltom City is eligible to join HUBA. Dues are $20 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership, and membership is 100% confidential. To join, contact Joe Palmer at (682) 310-0591 or by email at [email protected]. Visit the group's Facebook at Haltom United Business Alliance.

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