Why continued RTA funding matters to our region
You don’t need to know what RTA stands for to know what it’s brought to the region over the last 20 years. If you’re familiar with the SunLink streetcar downtown, Houghton Road improvements, the Loop bike path, or improvements to the Twin Peaks interchange then you’re familiar with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA).
Over the past 20 years, the Regional Transportation Authority invested $1.6 billion in regional transportation improvements which enhanced the local economy by bringing additional businesses and retail to the area. The current RTA plan and half-cent sales tax—approved by voters nearly two decades ago and set to expire in mid-2026—have resulted in more than 1,000 transportation improvements across our region, ranging from new roadways and expanded transit to safety, signal technology, and bike/pedestrian projects. If the RTA Next plan and half-cent sales tax are approved, you will not see a tax increase. Complete details of the draft plan can be viewed here.
These long-term RTA investments not only boosted the economy but have resulted in improved movement of people, goods, and services throughout Pima County. RTA investment supports the transit system (bus, dial-a-ride, downtown streetcar), bicycle and pedestrian amenities, and added safety with crosswalks and traffic signal improvements.
In comparison to other regional funding sources, the RTA annually provides nearly two-thirds of the funding for regional transportation improvements. If the RTA Next plan and half-cent sales tax are reauthorized by voters in March, the RTA will continue to invest in transportation improvements across Pima County resulting in reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, continued and expanded transit services, and offer transportation network users more convenient choices to help the region thrive.
Visit rtanext.com to learn more to stay informed ahead of the important March 2026 decision.
- Sign up for RTA Next updates.
- Review the RTA Next project list and map.
- Request an RTA Next presentation for your board or others.
- Download this informational article for your newsletter.
For a complete list of RTA Next informational resources, visit RTANext.com/resources.