RTA resumes public meetings ahead of March election to extend transportation sales tax

In March, Pima County voters will decide the fate of RTA Next, an
extension of the Regional Transportation Authority plan they first 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 418 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.

The first RTA Next Q&A sessions on 2026 will be a pair virtual session via Zoom on Wednesday, Jan. 7. The first will be from noon to 1 p.m. Register here via Zoom. The second is from 5 to 6 p.m. Register here via Zoom. 

Thursday, Jan. 8: Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel joins the Frank Show. 9 a.m. on KLPX, 96.1 FM.

Friday, Jan. 9: Tucson Sentinel reporter Jim Nintzel joins
host Bill Buckmaster to interview state Rep. Nancy Gutierrez and water expert Jeff Silvertooth. The
Buckmaster Show airs on Fridays at noon on KVOI, 1030
AM. Episodes stream at buckmastershow.com.

Monday, Jan. 12: Gov. Katie Hobbs delivers State of the State address to kick off the 2026 legislative session at the Arizona Capitol in Phoenix.

Tuesday, Jan. 13: Attorney General Kris Mayes invites the public to share concerns and stories about the cost of electric bills and other topics related to power service. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the YWCA of Southern Arizona, 525 N. Bonita Ave. RSVP here.

Tuesday, Jan. 13: RTA Next Q&A session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at El Pueblo Activity Center, 101 W. Irvington Road. 

Wednesday, Jan. 14: RTA Next Q&A session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at South Tucson City Hall, 1601 N. 6th Ave. 

Wednesday, Jan. 21: RTA Next Q&A session from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at El Rio Neighborhood Center, 2445 N. Tucson Blvd. 

Tuesday, Jan. 27: RTA Next Q&A session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Tucson Association of Realtors, 101 W. Irvington Road. 

Wednesday, Feb. 3: Two virtual RTA Next Q&A sessions. First is from noon to 1 p.m. Register here. Second is from 5 to 6 p.m. Register here.

Feb. 9: Last day to register to vote in the March 10 RTA election.

Wednesday, Feb. 11: Early voting begins in RTA election and vote-by-mail ballots are sent to voters.

Friday, Feb. 27: Last day to request an early ballot for the RTA election.

Tuesday, March 10: RTA Election Day