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RTA Next special election

March 10, 2026 @ 6:00 am – 7:00 pm MST

by Carolyn Classen, blogger

“The public is invited to review the Regional Transportation Authority’s $2.67 billion regional transportation plan, approved by the RTA Board on Aug. 25, 2025, for future voter consideration. The final RTA Next plan was completed with input from RTA members and the public gathered through surveys, open houses, meetings, and submitted comments. 

The board has set an election date of March 10, 2026, when voters in Pima County will have the ultimate say on the plan.

The 20-year plan includes five elements:

  • Roadway (multimodal) Corridor
  • Arterial Reconstruction
  • Transit
  • Safety, ADA and Active Transportation
  • Environmental

The RTA is a state-established taxing district within the boundaries of Pima County. The RTA’s current 20-year plan is funded by a half-cent sales tax. Both were approved by voters in 2006. The new plan and funding investment for another 20 years will require voter approval for both to go into effect.

The RTA, which was established in 2004, has invested more than $1.6 billion in more than 1,000 transportation improvements across the greater Tucson region.”

Carolyn’s note: RTA brought changes to this region, with passage of this original 20 year plan in May, 2006, funded by a half cent sales increase. RTA Next wants an extension of that same sales tax. The biggest projects in Tucson were the 4 mile Sun link streetcar, widening of E. Broadway Blvd. and the continued widening of E. Grant Rd.