Haltom City, Texas, is falling behind other cities in the state by failing to update its parking requirements, which local advocates say is stifling small business growth and contributing to rising commercial vacancy rates. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA), reports that he speaks with someone almost every week who has tried to open a business in Haltom City but was hindered by what he calls unreasonable regulations, particularly outdated parking rules.
According to Sturgeon, commercial vacancy rates in Haltom City's major corridors have been rising for the third consecutive year. He has personally spoken with individuals who were unable to rent buildings in these corridors to start a business or relocate from another city due to parking restrictions. Sturgeon criticizes the city's leadership for being in denial about the high vacancy rates and the burdens that prevent new small businesses from launching, which affects the city's tax base, crime rates, and revenue.
Sturgeon emphasizes that the older main corridors have lost all major businesses, and the only way to repopulate them is through small businesses, one at a time. However, small businesses cannot navigate Haltom City's requirements, especially the parking restrictions. HUBA presented a list of no-cost options to the city three years ago and several times since, including changes to the city's code that would encourage small businesses. The city has never followed up or requested more information, indicating a denial of the decline in the south and central parts of the city.
While Haltom City remains stagnant, other Texas cities are taking bold action. Dallas recently eliminated parking requirements to ease the burden on new and existing small businesses. An AKERA News article about the reforms notes that advocates expect the changes to spur economic development, create more walkable neighborhoods, and increase housing.
HUBA aims to advocate for Haltom City's business community and keep them informed about issues affecting them. The alliance wants to make Haltom City more business-friendly, nurturing small business growth, including automotive businesses in industrial districts, and attracting more restaurants, breweries, and a major grocery store. They believe that new and growing businesses will strengthen the tax base, allowing the city to pay competitive wages to first responders and improve facilities and infrastructure. HUBA argues that a revitalization plan for the southern and central parts of the city is needed to prevent further degradation, increased crime, and blight.
