Butler’s struggles to revitalize its downtown are much the same as the challenges facing the other 52 third-class cities in Pennsylvania. Even larger cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia face similar issues of stagnant tax revenues, flat or declining populations and unsustainable public-safety costs. Cities, both large and small, also struggle with a larger proportion of tax-exempt properties than is found in suburban communities.

Taken together, these challenges pose a serious threat to most cities in Pennsylvania.

The solution must start with better government cost control. But cities will not be revitalized by cutting costs only.

The mayor of Lancaster formed a group of civic and business leaders to examine that city’s challenges. The group’s findings, titled “Prosper or Perish,” are relevant to just about every city in Pennsylvania.

In Butler, cost-cutting is the focus now as new union contracts are being negotiated with the city’s public safety employees. Public safety costs, particularly health care and pensions, have become real burdens in most US. cities. Putting them on a sustainable path is critical.

But the city has to do more than cut costs. It has to grow, reversing the population decline of recent decades. It’s also critical to foster development and job creation by making the city a more attractive place to operate a business. Development and construction are necessary for revitalization.

The proposed Centre City Project, which calls for construction of an events center, hotel, parking structure as well as retail and residential space, has been floating around for years. But because of current economic realities, the project appears either dormant or dead.

Though real recovery still is over the horizon, the economy is stabilized, if still fragile. Hopes for the city still are largely pinned on Centre City to help reverse Butler’s fortunes and bring more life to the city.

Marcellus Shale gas development is pumping money into the region. Although it’s unclear whether there are ways for that to benefit the city of Butler, it’s something that should be explored.

One encouraging sign for Butle came a few months ago when Art Cordwell was hired as executive director of the city redevelopment authority. Cordwell, who headed the Community Development Corporation of Butler County for a decade, brings relevant experience to his job in the city. In addition to development work, his time at the CDC led him to develop contacts in Harrisburg as well as with private developers. Those skills and contacts should be useful in making the Centre City Project a reality, which Cordwell says is his top priority.

A partnership with a Pittsburgh development organization boosted the credibility of the Centre City Project, and marketing surveys suggest it does have economic viability. Still, the empty buildings and vacant lots between Cunningham and Jefferson streets on the east side of Main Street do not inspire.

While landing a developer for Centre City would be considered a grand-slam home run in terms of revitalizing Butler, Cordwell also has to be looking to hit singles and doubles.

Smaller projects can create momentum leading to the larger Centre City effort. Smaller projects also send a signal to developers that there is life and optimism about the future here.

While taking all the necessary steps to help make the Centre City project a reality, even if it means doing the project in pieces, Cordwell and city officials — as well as county leaders and local business leaders — should be trying to make Butler as dynamic, inviting and attractive as possible.

In addition to the experience and contacts Cordwell brings to his new job, he also has the advantage of focusing solely on the city.

For a number of years prior to his hiring, both the city and county redevelopment authorities were headed by Perry O’Malley.

With Cordwell focused solely on bringing development to Butler, there is a sense of renewed hope.

But there can be no denying that these are tough economic times, and government aid, which is considered a critical part of Centre City, will be tougher to land than five or six years ago.

Still, having Cordwell leading redevelopment in the city is an encouraging sign in what needs to be a larger and coordinated effort to create a brighter future for Butler.