Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities, 2nd Edition
offers proven strategies to help reverse decline in inner-city areas

HALTOM CITY, TX, October 20, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ — The members of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) would very much like to help the city bring back prosperity to the declining areas and corridors in Haltom City. As part of their efforts, a series of brief videos has been created to help citizens “make an informed choice in the next election about who’s going to lead and bring solutions for the city.”

In one of the videos, HUBA founder Ron Sturgeon talks about his latest book, Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities – The Critical Role Small Businesses Play in Bringing Back Jobs & Prosperity, which has received an array of 5-star reviews on Amazon.com. According to Ron, the book was primarily written to inform the residents of Haltom City about some of the potential options that should be considered.

In the video from Make Haltom City Thrive Again, he is careful to point out that Haltom City is not alone but rather just one of many cities across the country that are experiencing urban decline. He repeatedly stresses the importance of acknowledging the reality of the situation and the importance of taking time to address the problem “now,” before it gets to the point that it’s practically impossible to turn things around. According to Ron, a lot of research was done regarding strategies that have been used by other cities and towns. In fact, Chapter 19 points to the nearby town of Mansfield, Texas as a “success story” based on their adoption of form-based codes which were designed specifically to spur growth.

Ron is not alone in his perspective. Through his work with HUBA, he often hears from residents who are tired of the status quo, as evidenced by their Facebook posts. M. Rhodes, who grew up in Haltom City, recently commented that “Central HC has done nothing but go downhill as it expanded to the other side of 820… HC management should look at other small towns that are more successful (Mansfield, Keller, even Watauga, for example) and borrow a few ideas.” Carolyn Brown Cook has lived in Haltom City since 1982 and commented, “Since then, it has gone downhill, rather than thrive, like Lake Worth has…” Said Danny Harp, “it appears the ‘leadership’ has created a quagmire of neglect and disgruntled citizens.”

In addition to working with HUBA and writing the book, Sturgeon  who is a fierce advocate for small businesses with an obvious soft spot for his hometown  recently launched the Make Haltom City Thrive Again (MHCTA) movement. MHCTA aims to further educate citizens about the need for change and has a dedicated website for those that want to learn more. As part of that effort (and as mentioned in the video), Ron will send a free autographed copy of Keeping the Lights On to any Haltom City resident or business owner who requests one. To get a free copy of the book, send a request with your name and address to Ron Sturgeon at [email protected].

About Haltom City
Haltom City is a diverse, majority working-class city located between Dallas and Fort Worth in Tarrant County, TX. Haltom City is minutes from both the DFW Airport and Downtown Fort Worth with direct access to major highways including I-820 and SH-121. Due to an outdated and restrictive use matrix that discourages new business and deters growth, several areas of Haltom City have seen a decline in small businesses which provided goods and services and were a significant source of jobs, including the once-thriving automotive industry. However, Haltom City can reverse this trend and should prioritize development of inner-city land and vacant buildings, particularly in the major corridors close to the city’s center. The city is financially healthy with a capable manager and staff who would like to see diverse business development occur and need the support of the City Council to make it happen.

About Make Haltom City Thrive Again
The Make Haltom City Thrive Again is a movement to return prosperity to the older parts of South and Central Haltom City by luring the small businesses that have left over the past decades back to Haltom City. A vibrant business community not only allows for greater employment and choice of goods and services, but also can ease the tax burden on residents. The movement is led by local entrepreneur and business owner Ron Sturgeon. For more on Sturgeon’s ideas and background, check out his book, Keeping the Lights on Downtown in America’s Small Cities and watch the videos on his Facebook page. Ron is also the founder of the Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) which represents existing business interests in Haltom City and promotes growth of diverse businesses. HUBA is not a political action committee and does not endorse candidates. If/when Ron endorses candidates, he will do so on his own via the Make Haltom City Thrive Again organization.

About Haltom United Business Alliance
Haltom United Business Alliance (HUBA) wants to give members of Haltom City’s business community an advocate and to keep those businesses informed about issues that affect them. They want to make sure Haltom City is business friendly and nurtures small business growth, including automotive businesses in the industrial districts, and bring more restaurants including breweries and eventually a major grocery store to the city. New businesses and growth in existing businesses will create a stronger tax base which will allow the city to pay its first responders wages that are competitive with surrounding cities while improving Haltom City’s facilities and infrastructure. HUBA believes that the southern and central parts of the city need a revitalization plan, to prevent further degradation in those areas, and wants that to happen before the inner-city experiences increased crime and more blight. As retail and office uses are in decline, it’s more critical than ever to attract new businesses. They believe that such a plan requires a strong relationship and support of the business community. Anyone who owns a business in Haltom City is eligible to join HUBA. Dues are $20 annually or $50 for a lifetime membership, and membership is 100% confidential. To join, contact Joe Palmer at (682) 310-0591 or by email at [email protected]. Visit the group’s Facebook at Haltom United Business Alliance.

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