Pima County Voters Approve Props 418 and 419, Backing Major Transportation Investment

Pima County voters support road construction and regional transportation funding

Pima County voters approved Propositions 418 and 419 in the March 10 special election, supporting a new long-term transportation plan that will fund billions of dollars in road, transit, and safety improvements across southern Arizona.

Together, the two ballot measures, often referred to as RTA Next, authorize a 20-year regional transportation plan and renew the county’s existing half-cent sales tax used to fund infrastructure projects.

The measures passed with majority support from voters countywide, clearing the way for a $2.67 billion transportation investment plan that will begin implementation in 2026.

What Props 418 and 419 mean for Pima County roads

Proposition 418 approved the regional transportation plan, while Proposition 419 renews the half-cent sales tax that funds the plan. Both measures had to pass for the transportation program to continue.

The renewal does not increase taxes; it simply continues the same dedicated transportation funding mechanism that has been in place since voters first approved the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) in 2006.

Since its creation, the RTA has funded more than 1,000 transportation projects across Pima County, including road expansions, intersection improvements, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and transit infrastructure.

$2.67 billion transportation plan expected to improve roads and safety

The approved RTA Next plan is expected to generate at least $2.67 billion in regional transportation funding over the next 20 years, funding projects throughout Pima County.

Key investments in the plan include:

• $1.1–$1.2 billion for road corridor improvements to reduce congestion
• More than $700 million for transit services, including dial-a-ride and paratransit
• Nearly $200 million for roadway reconstruction and pavement rehabilitation
• Over $250 million for safety improvements and active transportation projects

Transportation planners say these investments will improve travel times, enhance roadway safety, and support future population growth across southern Arizona.

Leveraging federal and state transportation funding

Local transportation funding like the RTA sales tax is also critical because it allows the region to leverage state and federal matching funds for infrastructure projects.

Without a dedicated regional funding source, Pima County could have lost access to certain federal transportation programs that require local matching dollars.

Maintaining the sales tax ensures the region can continue competing for additional infrastructure funding and keep transportation projects moving forward.

Transportation investment expected to create jobs and support economic growth

Supporters of Propositions 418 and 419 say the plan will also deliver major economic benefits.

Regional transportation improvements are projected to create approximately 48,000 jobs over the life of the program while supporting economic development along key transportation corridors. Reliable transportation infrastructure is often considered a key factor for business investment and regional competitiveness.

As population growth continues across southern Arizona, transportation leaders say long-term planning is necessary to avoid congestion and maintain economic growth.

Planning the next generation of transportation projects

The RTA Next plan will guide transportation investment across the region through 2046, funding road expansions, transit improvements, safety projects, and other mobility infrastructure.

Projects included in the plan were developed through collaboration among local governments, tribal communities, and regional transportation planners, with citizen oversight built into the program’s governance structure.

With voters approving Propositions 418 and 419, transportation officials say Pima County can now move forward with long-term investments designed to improve mobility, safety, and economic opportunity across the region.