Haltom City Business Vacancy Rate Rises, Sparking Concerns Over Economic Decline

A new business census conducted by the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) has unveiled a concerning trend in Haltom City, Texas. The study shows that business occupancy in the city's main corridors has dropped from 83.2% at the end of 2022 to 79.9% by the end of 2023, representing a significant 4% decline. This increase in vacancy rates is raising questions about the city's economic trajectory and its policies towards business development.

The census, which focused on key areas including Denton Highway south of Loop 820, Carson from Belknap to Beach, Northeast 28th from Belknap to Beach St., and Belknap west to Beach St., was conducted by an independent third party. The findings suggest that the vacancy rate in these corridors has now surpassed 20%, a figure that could have far-reaching implications for the city's economic future.

Joe Palmer, HUBA's Communications Director, expressed frustration with the city's response to the decline. "Anytime it's brought up, the city just speaks of all the development on the north side and how they're bringing so much business to Haltom City, yet anyone can see the decline, the boarded-up buildings and all the vacancies in the main corridors in the central and south parts of the city," Palmer stated.

The alliance argues that the city's current policies, including restrictive parking requirements, special use permits, and an outdated use matrix, are creating barriers for new businesses looking to establish themselves in Haltom City. For example, the current regulations severely limit where certain types of businesses, such as dry cleaners or swimming pool supply companies, can operate within the city limits.

While the city administration has focused on attracting large businesses to the northern part of Haltom City, HUBA contends that this strategy overlooks the need for revitalization in the central and southern corridors. The alliance advocates for a more balanced approach that would encourage small business growth throughout the city, arguing that rebuilding these areas will require attracting numerous small businesses rather than relying solely on large corporations.

The implications of this increasing vacancy rate extend beyond just the business community. With over 1,000 people moving into North Texas daily, Haltom City's declining population stands out as an anomaly in Tarrant County. The condition of the main corridors plays a crucial role in shaping the first impressions of potential new residents and businesses considering relocation to the area.

HUBA has proposed a series of reforms aimed at making it easier for businesses to establish themselves in Haltom City, particularly in the declining areas. These proposals, which the alliance claims would come at no cost to the city, are designed to attract new businesses and help revitalize the struggling parts of town.

The census results and HUBA's subsequent calls for action highlight a growing divide between the city's approach to economic development and the realities faced by businesses in certain areas of Haltom City. As the vacancy rate continues to climb, the pressure on city officials to address these concerns and implement more business-friendly policies is likely to intensify.

This situation in Haltom City serves as a cautionary tale for other municipalities, underscoring the importance of maintaining a diverse and adaptable approach to urban economic development. It also emphasizes the need for cities to remain responsive to the changing needs of their business communities, especially in the face of evolving economic landscapes and shifting consumer behaviors.

As Haltom City grapples with these challenges, the outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the city's future economic health, its ability to attract new residents and businesses, and its overall trajectory in the competitive North Texas region. The coming months will likely be crucial in determining whether Haltom City can reverse this trend of increasing vacancies and revitalize its central and southern corridors.