NextNow Coalition Applauds RTA Board for sending RTA Next to the Pima County Board of Supervisors for March Election

Pima County Business Leaders Applaud RTA Board for approving RTA Next.

Tucson, Arizona- NextNow – a coalition of local business and community leaders dedicated to moving Pima County forward – applauds the continued progress made by the RTA board. NextNow was thrilled with last week’s progress towards a fully funded 20-year RTA Next plan. Today’s vote represented one of the very last hurdles to ensure voters have a chance to pass RTA Next in March and ensure the RTA funding mechanism does not lapse.

“We have come so far in the last few weeks. And we are now on the verge of passing a fully funded, 20-year RTA Next plan that provides certainty and stability for all of Pima County. Achieving this level of progress seemed unimaginable only six months ago,” said SAHBA President David Godlewski. “We could not be more grateful for the tireless work of the RTA board and staff to bring us here. Godlewski would add, “RTA Chair, Mayor Joe Winfield, and RTA Vice Chair, Mayor Tom Murphy, along with RTA Executive Director Mike Ortega, have persistently driven consensus and compromise to bring us to a place where today’s vote could happen.”

“RTA Board members Mayor Regina Romero and Mayor Jon Post worked together to demonstrate that we can advance the broader goals of the region while balancing the priorities of each community. Mayor Post pushed for economic growth in Marana that will benefit all of Southern Arizona, while Mayor Romero was a strong advocate for transit investment and for improving the roads we all drive,” said SALC Vice Chair Alejandro Angel. He expanded, “The public needs to feel confident that the goals and projects behind RTA Next are aligned with their needs.” Angel went on, “We have been most appreciative of Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman and RTA Board member Verlon Jose during this process, as he has faithfully pushed for expanded community awareness and input around RTA Next. Because of his advocacy, we know the work does not stop with today’s vote.”

Ian McDowell of Sundt Construction added, “Today’s vote represented the culmination of over six years of work and outreach by the RTA Board and staff. Countless public meetings, town halls, and listening sessions have helped the RTA Board shape a plan that will represent and benefit all of Pima County. We truly are grateful for the RTA Board’s work. The entire board, from our mayors, our county representative, to our tribal leaders, have worked tirelessly to bring us to today’s vote. They should be immensely proud of what they have achieved by approving RTA Next. We certainly are.”

Lisa Hagins of ATB said, “We are beyond excited with today’s vote by the RTA Board that now allows for a March election. And now, as community leaders, we know that the ball is in our court. We must take up the baton left by PAG and the RTA Board to ensure every voter knows the details of RTA Next and how it will benefit the whole of Southern Arizona. Lastly, Hagins said, “Be it holding town halls across Pima County, working with transit and community leaders, or communicating directly with Pima County voters, we stand ready to advocate for the plan’s passage in March.”

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About NextNow:

NextNow is a coalition of business leaders, professional associations, and community advocates united to secure the renewal of Southern Arizona’s 20-year Regional Transportation Plan by aligning technical expertise with forward-thinking policy solutions.

Members:

Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (www.azagc.org)

Arizona Transportation Builders Association (www.movingyoureconomy.org)

Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (www.sahba.org)

AZ – American Council of Engineering Companies (www.acecaz.org)

Southern Arizona Leadership Council (www.salc.org)

HDR, Inc. (www.hdrinc.com)

Psomas (www.psomas.com)

Sundt Construction (www.sundt.com)

For more information contact:

Joe Wolf

jw@fillmorestrategy.com

571.225.7281