Pima Voters Face Crucial Transportation Decision in 2025

As we edge closer to the pivotal elections of 2025, Pima County’s voters are once again tasked with making a monumental decision that will shape the future of transportation in the region. This upcoming November, they will cast their votes on a proposed $2.46 billion transportation plan that promises extensive roadway upgrades and improvements over the next two decades.

Voters will play a crucial role in shaping Pima County’s transportation future.

At the core of this initiative is a proposed 20-year extension of a half-cent sales tax, a measure that is pivotal to the Regional Transportation Authority’s (RTA) RTA Next plan. If approved, this plan is slated to take effect in April 2026, ensuring that the momentum of transportation development in Pima County continues. After five years of deliberations, the RTA board—which includes mayors from various towns, tribal leaders, and transportation officials—has come together to push this plan forward.

The past RTA tax measure, passed in 2006, saw an impressive $2.1 billion funneled into various transportation projects, a clear testament to the importance of strategic investments in this area. Now, the board’s decision on September 26 to implement a voter outreach initiative reflects the growing urgency to address the ever-evolving transportation needs of this dynamic region, especially amid unprecedented population growth in areas like Vail and Marana.

RTA Next Plan: Allocating $2.46 Billion Wisely

So, how does the RTA plan to allocate this substantial budget? The RTA Next plan encompasses over 40 projects scattered throughout Pima County, with nearly half located in Tucson. Projects range from critical roadway constructions to safety enhancements and wildlife linkages—integral for maintaining local wildlife corridors amidst expanding urban areas. The city of Tucson alone will see major modernizations in its transportation infrastructure, including improvements for pedestrians and cyclists, and an expansion of transit options that aim to make travel more accessible for all residents.

Amidst these developments, cities like Marana and Oro Valley are set to benefit from crucial projects, such as the construction of two overpasses on Interstate 10. Nevertheless, the negotiations around funding allocation have sparked intense debates among local leaders, particularly concerning Tucson’s contentious Bus Rapid Transit project.

Beneath the apparent unity to advance transportation improvements lies a rift regarding funding prioritization. Tucson pushed for $70 million from the RTA plan to enhance its Bus Rapid Transit initiative, while other officials argue for a focus on establishing a contingency reserve to safeguard against economic downturns and unforeseen expenses.

Contingency Funds: A Safety Net or a Missed Opportunity?

This tug-of-war over funding shines a light on the lack of consensus among local leadership. Leaders like Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield advocate for a robust contingency fund, highlighting lessons learned from the previous plan which saw funds depleted during the 2009 recession. Winfield’s concerns echo throughout the region, cautioning that voters may prioritize financial security over ambitious transportation projects.

“I think we learned lessons from the RTA … that I don’t think is reflected in what we are taking out to the community in terms of contingency,” said Winfield.

Supporters of the contingency plans fear the risks associated with relying too heavily on ambitious projects that may not deliver if economic challenges arise. While having funds readily available for crises is undeniably important, one can’t help but wonder if it comes at the cost of stifling innovation and the potential for impactful public transit projects like Tucson’s Bus Rapid Transit initiative.

The Unfinished Business of Past Projects

Another layer complicating this situation is the unfinished business from the previous transportation plan. With 17 projects still lacking completion, the growing concerns about inflated costs have raised urgent questions: how will Pima County address an estimated $195 million shortfall for these ongoing projects? Tucson officials have expressed frustration about being left to shoulder this burden, with city leaders emphasizing that residents shouldn’t have to dig deeper into their pockets to fulfill promises that were made with the previous tax plan.

As Tucson mayor Romero pointedly noted, “It really is the city of Tucson holding the bag in terms of how we are going to deliver those projects, and it shouldn’t be the city of Tucson and its residents that are left holding the bag in terms of how we pay for those projects.”

In conclusion, as we look ahead at the 2025 vote, it’s evident that Pima County stands at a crossroads. The decision to approve or reject this ambitious transportation plan will not only dictate the future ready of the region’s transit systems but will also showcase how local governance can evolve amidst differing opinions and the pressing needs of a growing community. With the stakes so high, this election could very well define the trajectory of transportation in Pima County for decades to come.

Let’s Stay Engaged

As discussions unfold, it’s crucial for Pima County residents to engage in this process. The future of your community is literally on the ballot – make sure your voice is heard!

For more information on voter registration and deadlines, consider visiting supportjournalism.azcentral.com.