Haltom City Manager's Report Completely Ignores Areas in Decline

    HALTOM CITY, TX, February 09, 2024 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Increasingly frustrated by a lack of action at the city level, the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) recently teamed up with the Make Haltom City Thrive Again (MHCTA) campaign to create a new series of videos aimed at educating citizens about the issues at hand.

In one of the videos, HUBA Communications Director Joe Palmer talks with HUBA Founder and local businessperson Ron Sturgeon about the recent city manager's report to citizens about the commercial sector. While praising the City Manager for his intelligence and eloquence, Ron points out that nothing in the report addresses problems in the south and central areas of the city, nor does it mention what city leaders intend to do about ongoing decline. "He talks about all the growth in the North part of the city and the new big warehouses,…but he never mentions the 600-pound elephant in the room, which is all of those declining parts of the city."

Sturgeon goes on to explain that the 30-year Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) touted by the manager can only be used for public improvements and does absolutely nothing to help with the code upgrades and building renovations so desperately needed in Haltom City's older areas. He also points out that any increase in tax revenue will take years to realize, adding, "Anybody that thinks we have 30 years to solve this revitalization problem is sadly naïve. We could be working on it right now and in 5 years we could make big headway if they would just accept a lot of the improvements--the plans-- that the business community has proposed in writing to the city."

On the subject of restaurants, retail and entertainment, Ron again states that all of the touted growth will occur on the north side of the city. Pointing out that brick and mortar retail is going away and the commercial vacancy rate is as high as 29% in older areas of the city, he advises that "Any plan that counts on retail to revitalize our southern/central parts of the city, or even the newer parts of the city, is destined to fail. We're going to have to have service businesses and lots of other kinds of small businesses… then maybe we can get some restaurants and some entertainment options and other things."

Ron is so passionate about the issue that he recently co-authored a book. Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America's Small Cities, The Critical Role Small Businesses Play in Bringing Back Jobs and Prosperity outlines a range of well-researched strategies for consideration and has received an impressive number of 5-star reviews. Haltom City residents can receive a free autographed copy simply by reaching out to Ron 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 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.

About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
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.

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