Public invited to ask questions about $2.6B RTA Next plan at meetings this week

A roundup of upcoming Tucson-area political events: City hosting budget meetings; RTA hosting Q&A sessions on transportation proposition; Hearing on proposal to increase density in central Tucson; Sentinel journalists on the air

Send your events for Tucson Sentinel’s political calendar to [email protected].

Pima County voters will next year decide the fate of RTA Next, an extension of the Regional Transportation Authority plan they approved in 2006.

The $2.67 billion RTA Next plan would be funded over 20 years by an extension of the existing half-cent transportation sales tax collected countywide if voters approve Propositions 428 and 419 in a March 10 election.

The RTA is holding a series of presentations and taking questions from the public about the proposal, which includes $1.58 billion for major road expansion, $177 million for pavement rehabilitation and $726 million for transit.

Two meetings are scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17: 1:30-3 p.m. at
Joyner-Green Valley Library, 601 N. La Cañada Dr., and 5:30-7 p.m. at
Sahuarita Town Hall, 375 W. Sahuarita Center Way.

Monday, Nov. 17: As Tucson officials develop a budget for the next fiscal year, city
staffers are holding a series of public meetings to discuss budget
issues related to public safety, housing and homelessness.

Dubbed “The Housing Equation,” the meetings seek
feedback regarding the 2026-2027 city budget, which will be in effective
beginning in July 2026.

The meetings will take place over the month of November in various locations throughout the city. Details below.

Attendance is limited to 60 people at each meeting and registration is required. Register here.

Monday’s “Housing Equation” meeting is 6-8 p.m.
at Ward 2 Office, 7820 E. Broadway. ASL interpretation will be
available.

Wednesday, Nov. 19: Tucson “Housing Equation” meeting. 6-8 p.m. at Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave. ASL interpretation available. Registration required. RSVP here.

Wednesday, Nov. 19: RTA Next Q&A virtual session via Zoom. 5-6 p.m. Click here to register via Zoom.

Friday, Nov. 21: Tucson “Housing Equation” meeting. 9-11 a.m. at Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way. ASL interpretation will be available. Registration required. RSVP here.

Friday, Nov. 21: Tucson Sentinel editor and co-publisher Dylan
Smith guest hosts the Buckmaster show alongside Sentinel reporter Paul
Ingram. Buckmaster airs
at noon on
KVOI, 1030
AM. Episodes stream at buckmastershow.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 2: RTA Next presentation and Q&A session. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Marana Police Department, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: RTA Next Q&A session. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N La Cañada Dr.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Deadline to file an argument for or against the RTA Next propositions for publication in the publicity pamphlet that will be mailed to all voters ahead of the March 10 election. Find more details here.