Haltom City, Texas, is confronting a troubling economic and demographic downturn, with business closures and a declining population marking the city's southern and central districts. Major retailers, including Sam's Dollar Store and Big Lots, have closed, leaving a vacancy rate of approximately 30% in key commercial areas. Joe Palmer, Communications Director for the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA), highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges, despite the arrival of new businesses like Five and Below, WD's Discount, and Wingstop.
The city's population decrease contrasts sharply with the growth seen in other parts of Tarrant County and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which welcomes around 1,000 new residents daily. HUBA has proposed code improvements to foster new business development, yet the city's leadership has not yet implemented a definitive strategy for the affected areas. Palmer has criticized the focus of newly elected council members on the northern part of Haltom City, neglecting the evident decline in the south and central regions, where boarded-up businesses are a common sight.
This scenario reflects broader challenges faced by older, smaller cities across the United States, including rising crime rates and the loss of businesses in historic districts. HUBA advocates for public hearings and the adoption of targeted plans to rejuvenate these areas, drawing inspiration from successful urban renewal projects elsewhere. For more information on urban renewal strategies, visit urban renewal in small cities.
