Learn about $2.6B RTA Next plan at Wednesday online meeting

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 can learn more about the RTA Next plan without fighting traffic on Wednesday.

The Regional Transportation Authority is holding a Q&A session on the $2.67 billion plan, 20-year plan via Zoom from 5-6 p.m. Register to attend.

Voters will decide the fate of RTA Next, an extension of the  countywide road construction plan they approved in 2006, in a March 10 election.

The 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.

Wednesday’s meeting is the latest in a series of presentations about the proposal, which includes $1.58 billion for major road expansion, $177 million for pavement rehabilitation and $726 million for transit. Details on future meetings below.

Wednesday, 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 2026-27 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.

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

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.