Mark Gordon: State of business and industry in Butler County remains strong
This article is one in a series of articles about what life looks like in Butler County ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Stories in this series aim to showcase what it’s like to live, work, play and serve in Butler County during this moment in history.
Butler County has a long history in manufacturing and agriculture and both of those sectors remain strong.
We have strong workforce development programs supported by our college and university, trade unions and vocational high school programs.
We also have 80 farms enrolled in our Agricultural Preservation Program that keep over 8,115 acres of prime farmland in agricultural production for perpetuity.
Emerging trends in technology and robotics are having an effect across many different industries. There have been great strides made in automation, artificial intelligence and adaptive technology.
In order to support the development of these businesses in Butler County, we need to continue to advance fundamental infrastructure efforts. We already have great programs in place to help municipalities invest in their infrastructure, including the Butler County Infrastructure Bank. In collaboration with federal and state agencies, our efforts have enabled $388 million to be invested in our county’s infrastructure.
Butler County is an attractive location for many businesses. We have portions of three interstate highways traversing our county, as well as a combination of state routes that include routes 8, 19, 38, 68, 138, 228, 356, 422 and 528. The rail system active in our county and the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport also contribute to a transportation framework for the distribution of goods and services stretching from across our state to around the world.
Additionally, we have a strong workforce here in Butler County.
Our vibrant, healthy and engaging communities offer a high quality of life that make it attractive for people, and subsequently the businesses that employ them, to be in our area. Available housing is a crucial factor in development, as growing business requires a bigger workforce, which creates increased demand for housing. This need is being addressed through new residential home construction incorporating apartment-style, condominium and townhome living, as well as single-family and patio homes. It will be vital to continue to build safe, affordable and healthy communities to support a growing workforce.
A significant barrier to economic development is Pennsylvania’s permitting process. We need to be certain that development is being done safely and responsibly, but we don’t want to stand in the way of the private sector’s advancements. The timeline delays that can occur as a result of a burdensome and complicated permitting process often serve as deterrents to potential investors. A streamlined process would allow the necessary oversight to take place without needlessly encumbering those willing to invest in the county’s economic development.
Butler County has a track record of strong public-private partnerships in economic development and infrastructure projects, from providing greater broadband access to improving transportation and increasing community green space. Carrying this collaborative mindset into the future will enable us to continue to be a place where multi-generational families from diverse backgrounds can thrive in walkable, welcoming communities while pursuing their 21st century dream.
Mark Gordan is chairman of the Butler County Planning Commission.
