Goals

• Keeping current businesses thriving
• Attracting new businesses and jobs
• Creating a more aesthetically pleasing downtown
• Involving the community through volunteerism
• Improving the quality of life for residents

Progress

One of Butler Downtown's first responsibilities was to prepare the application required by the State's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for entry into its Main Street Program, where funds are available for façade improvements and administration. Butler Downtown officially applied for Main Street designation in August 2006, after months of preparation and fundraising efforts by the board of directors.  We received our Main Street designation beginning in 2007 and we’re approved through year three of a five-year grant.

In 2006, the Butler Downtown Revitalization Committee combined efforts with the Downtown Business Association to become the promotional arm of the Revitalization Committee.

In 2007, a selection committee was established to develop a job description and conduct a search for a Main Street Manager.  After a long and thorough process, Becky Smith was hired in August of 2008.

The four committees: Design, Organization, Promotion, and Economic Restructuring were working hard in 2008, even before the hiring of a Main Street Manager.  Some of the committees' projects in 2008 included the completion of "Butler Downtown Facade Improvement Guidelines" in preparation for the Facade Improvement Program, the development of the Butler Downtown website funded by a grant from Pittsburgh's Sprout Fund, the coordination of residential surveys with the Butler Area Multi-Municipal (BAMM) Group, the attainment of downtown business surveys, and completion of a mercantile tax study in the City and surrounding municipalities.

The four committees prepared their work plans in 2009, and formed subcommittees to implement these goals and projects.  The committees also continued to work with Poggemeyer Design Group to further emphasize the importance of downtown Butler in the Butler Area Multi-Municipal (BAMM) Comprehensive Plan.  Butler Downtown had a successful year completing several projects, events, and most importantly, building better relationships with businesses, organizations, and the community.  Please download our 2009 Annual Report for more details on our 2009 accomplishments.

The four committees have prepared their 2010 work plans, and are moving forward with projects and programs in order to make the Butler Downtown vision a reality.  We look forward to serving the community in 2010 and beyond, and we hope you will join us!