Haltom United Business Alliance Advocates for Code Reforms to Spur Urban Renewal

The Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) is actively campaigning for city officials to enact code and policy reforms aimed at fostering urban renewal in Haltom City's older neighborhoods. With public funds for revitalization efforts scarce, HUBA believes that reducing regulatory hurdles could significantly enhance the appeal of these areas to private investors and small businesses. The alliance has drawn upon research and successful strategies from other cities, including insights from the non-profit Strong Towns, to support their recommendations.

One of the major obstacles identified by HUBA is the restrictive nature of current building codes on older structures. Joe Palmer, HUBA's Communications Director, pointed to the example of a historic opera house in Georgia that was forced to close due to prohibitive upgrade costs, a scenario he argues is all too familiar in Haltom City. The requirements for sprinkler systems, additional parking, and other costly modifications often discourage potential investors, leaving buildings vacant for extended periods.

Ron Sturgeon, a founding member of HUBA, shared his own challenges in navigating the approval process for a low-cost events center, which took over two years to complete. This lengthy and uncertain process, Sturgeon argues, is a significant deterrent for small businesses looking to invest in the area. Despite the broader population growth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Haltom City has seen a decline, underscoring the urgency for action.

HUBA is proposing the creation of an overlay district that would include key corridors such as Denton Highway, Carson, NE 28th Street, and Belknap. Within this district, the alliance suggests implementing code reforms to simplify the processes for property renovation, changes in use, and the opening of small businesses. Palmer highlights the critical role of small businesses in revitalizing inner-city areas and stresses the need for Haltom City to become more competitive by easing the investment process.

Beyond code reform, HUBA envisions transforming Haltom City into 'the friendliest city in Tarrant County for small businesses' to encourage inner-city revitalization. Achieving this vision, however, requires addressing the zoning obstacles, rigid code requirements, parking mandates, and bureaucratic delays that currently hinder progress. The alliance's efforts reflect a wider challenge faced by many American cities: balancing necessary regulations with the need for economic growth and the revitalization of older neighborhoods. The outcome of Haltom City's deliberations on this issue could serve as a valuable model for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges in urban development and economic sustainability.