Propositions 418 and 419 would lock in how transportation decisions are made across Pima County for the next 20 years. This zine explains what’s at
before we vote.
Living Streets Alliance X Liverman Fellows
What is RTA Next?
Proposition 419 would extend the half-cent sales tax. Proposition 418 would approve a
The RTA is governed by a 9-member board representing Pima County, local tribes, and the Arizona State Transportation Board. Each member gets one vote, regardless of population size.
RTA stands for Regional Transportation Authority. It is a countywide agency that collects a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects across Pima County. , g , priorities shift but the overall structure stays in place. State law allows shorter tax periods. A 20-year term is a choice.
We’ve been h b
RTA Next follows the original RTA plan approved in 2006, known as RTA One; that plan locked in transportation spending for 20 years.
Twenty years later, Tucson’s streets are among the most dangerous in the country. Tucson is now ranked the third deadliest metro area in the nation for people walking.
Pedestrian deaths in the region more than doubled, from 105 deaths between 2013-17 to 217 deaths between 2018–22. Most fatal crashes occur on high-speed roads, where safety improvements have lagged.
At the same time, several major projects promised under the original plan remain unfinished. RTA Next includes $257 million to complete seven projects that were not finished under RTA-1, asking voters to extend the tax and fund them again.
Danger by design
Out of $2.4 billion in funding for roads, RTA Next dedicates 72% to widening streets to move more cars.
These types of capacity projects are designed to move cars faster by prioritizing road widening. Despite Tucson’s pedestrian safety crisis, RTA Next includes no clear safety targets or accountability measures to track whether projects actually reduce injuries or deaths.
Vanessa Cascio, executive director of Living Streets Alliance (LSA), said road fatalities rose 243% under RTA-1, linking the increase to streets designed for speed instead of safety. She called for targeted safety investments over vehicle throughput.
Who Benefits From RTA Next?
RTA Next prioritizes roadway expansion that supports suburban growth and car travel, even as Tucson faces a safety crisis, rising housing costs, and has declared a climate emergency.
Widening roads encourages longer trips, faster speeds, and more driving. These projects increase crash risk, heat exposure, and
Tucson is the only jurisdiction that pays more than it gets back, effectively subsidizing wealthier suburbs projects.
The “Yes” campaign is backed by developers, construction companies, and engineering firms; industries that gain financially if RTA Next passes.
A Different Path Is Possible
Tucson generates 60–70% of the region’s sales tax but would receive only about 44% back - sending ~$20 million a year outside the city, something no other jurisdiction is required to do.
Tucson could choose to pass its own half-cent transportation tax and keep funding in the city. Even if we fully supported South Tucson and tribal
Tucsonans have approved local transportation measures before, including Propositions 407 + 411 to invest in safer streets and bikeways.
Building on existing city plans like Move Tucson would allow us to advance cleaner air, safer streets, and real mobility options without locking into another 20-year regional tax.
Early voting begins / ballots mailed:
Wednesday, February 11
Last day to request a mail ballot:
Friday, February 27
Recommended deadline to mail ballot:
Speak
1.“Fixing Our Roads - RTA Next.” RTA Next, Feb. 2026, rtanext.com/ resources/fixing-our-roads/.
2.“Move Tucson.” movetucson.tucsonaz.gov
3.“Performance Measures.” Pima Association of Governments, 2025.
4.“Rethink, Don’t Repeat: Why RTA Next Falls Short.” Living Streets Alliance.
5.“Rising Traffic Fatalities Drive RTA Safety Discussion.” Tucson Spotlight, Feb. 2026.
6.“RTA Next.” Living Streets Alliance.
7.“RTA next Plan Includes $257M to Complete Unfinished Projects.” Tucsonsentinel.com, Jan. 2026
8.Tucson Deserves Better. nortanext.com/who-we-are/
9.“Why Roads around Tucson Could Soon Get Big Upgrades.” The Arizona Republic, Jan. 2026
10.“5 Reasons to Vote No on Propositions 418 and 419.” Living Streets Alliance.