Haltom City, Texas, is facing a growing economic challenge as outdated parking regulations continue to hinder small business development, according to Ron Sturgeon, founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA). Sturgeon highlights the increasing commercial vacancy rates in the city's major corridors, attributing the trend to restrictive parking requirements that prevent new businesses from opening. 'Commercial vacancy rates continue to rise in Haltom City for the third year in a row in the major corridors,' Sturgeon noted, emphasizing the difficulty small businesses face in navigating the city's regulatory environment.
The situation has prompted HUBA to propose no-cost options to the city three years ago, aimed at revising the city's code to foster small business growth. However, the city has yet to act on these suggestions, leading to concerns among business advocates about the long-term economic health of Haltom City. 'It's pretty clear that current leadership is in denial about the decline in the south and central parts of Haltom City,' Sturgeon remarked, pointing to the lack of action from city officials.
Meanwhile, other Texas cities, including Dallas, are moving forward with reforms to eliminate parking requirements, a move expected to stimulate economic development and create more walkable neighborhoods. The contrast between Haltom City's stagnation and the proactive measures taken by neighboring municipalities underscores the urgency of addressing the city's regulatory barriers to small business growth. Without significant changes, Haltom City risks further economic decline, increased crime, and a deteriorating urban environment, issues that HUBA is striving to prevent through advocacy and community engagement.
