RTA NEXT: Why Southern Arizona Needs a 20-Year Plan with 20-Year Funding

The August 15 RTA Board Meeting: A Pivotal Decision

On August 15, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board will meet to determine the future of regional transportation funding through RTA NEXT, a proposed 20-year plan to address critical transportation needs across Pima County and surrounding areas.

The board will weigh in on priorities, funding structures, and the timeline for the new program—which must be finalized in time to place it before voters by March 2026. The Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AZAGC) strongly supports a 20-year plan with a 20-year funding mechanism, emphasizing that shorter-term funding would put the region at risk for unfinished projects and higher costs in the long run.

Looking Back: The Original RTA

The current RTA plan, approved by voters in 2006, has been a cornerstone of Southern Arizona’s transportation progress. Funded by a ½-cent sales tax, it generated more than $2 billion over 20 years, delivering:

Major roadway expansions
Intersection safety improvements
Public transit enhancements
Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure

This plan proved that long-term funding stability is essential for completing large-scale projects efficiently.

What’s at Stake in RTA NEXT

The proposed RTA NEXT plan aims to invest in:

Roadway widening and resurfacing
Traffic congestion relief
Transit system modernization
Safety upgrades for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians
Bridges, overpasses, and drainage improvements

These projects require consistent funding over two decades to keep pace with regional growth, inflation, and infrastructure demands.

The Wrong Approach: A 10-Year Funding Mechanism

Some RTA board members are suggesting a 20-year plan but only a 10-year funding mechanism. This approach is ill-advised, according to AZAGC. A mismatch between the plan length and funding horizon could lead to:

Delays in project completion
Higher construction costs due to inflation
Loss of public trust if promised projects are not delivered

The solution is straightforward: a 20-year plan paired with 20-year funding mechanism.

No New Taxes—Just Smarter Planning

Importantly, the proposed funding would not raise taxes. It would simply extend the existing ½-cent sales tax for another 20 years, ensuring a seamless transition from the current RTA to RTA NEXT.

AZAGC’s Call to Action

The Arizona Chapter of the Associated General Contractors urges the RTA board to:

Approve a 20-year plan with matching 20-year funding.
Finalize the proposal in time for a March 2026 ballot.
Continue building on the success of the current RTA without interruption.

With long-term stability, Southern Arizona can keep moving forward—safely, efficiently, and without raising taxes.