Help shape the future of transportation in Oro Valley and beyond

Published on September 23, 2025

By Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield

Oro Valley continues to do an excellent job planning and maintaining our roads so they remain among the best in the region. But there’s more to transportation than smooth pavement. Major projects, such as widening a roadway, cost millions of dollars and cross city boundaries. That’s why a regional approach to transportation planning is so important—not just for Oro Valley, but for the quality of life and economic success of all Pima County communities. And that’s where the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) comes in.

In 2006, Pima County voters approved a half-cent sales tax to fund the Regional Transportation Authority, known as RTA 1. This 20-year plan has supported regional infrastructure improvements across the county and will expire in mid-2026. Voters will soon be asked to consider the next 20-year plan, called RTA Next.

Over the past two decades, RTA 1 has invested $1.6 billion into more than 1,000 projects across the region—projects that have relieved congestion, improved safety, expanded transit service, and broadened multimodal options. Oro Valley has benefited directly from 11 major projects, including:

2021: La Cholla Blvd. widening, Tangerine to Overton ($27M)
2018: Tangerine Rd. widening, La Cañada to Shannon ($15M)
2015: Naranja Dr. improvements, La Cholla to Shannon ($3.5M)
2013: Magee Rd. widening, La Cañada to Shannon ($2.7M)
2013: Lambert Lane widening, La Cañada to Pusch View ($8.6M)
2010: La Cañada Dr. widening, Naranja to Tangerine ($6.1M)

On top of these critical roadway projects, the RTA also provides funding for the Town’s own transit system, Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride. In fact, between 75% and 90% of Dial-a-Ride's annual costs (depending on that year’s budget) are paid for by the RTA. This door-to-door transportation service has become a lifeline for seniors and disabled residents in Oro Valley.

Looking ahead, the proposed $2.67 billion RTA Next plan would again be funded by a countywide half-cent sales tax. It includes:

$1.2 billion for major roadway improvements
$726 million for transit operations
$178 million for arterial rehabilitation
$255 million for safety and ADA improvements
$50 million for wildlife crossings
$42 million for debt services, small business assistance, and administration

In addition, $258 million is set aside to complete seven RTA 1 projects that were delayed due to revenue shortfalls during the recession, slower population growth, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising labor and material costs.

Closer to home, RTA Next proposes several projects in and around Oro Valley, such as:

Widening Lambert Lane, Rancho Sonora Dr. to Thornydale ($55.2M)
Improving Shannon Rd., Lambert Lane to Tangerine Rd., including Naranja Dr. to Ironwood Ridge High School ($25.8M)
Widening Thornydale Rd., Cortaro to Tangerine ($97.9M)
Widening Orange Grove, La Cholla to Oracle ($24.9M)
Improving Ina Rd., I-10 to Thornydale ($16M)
Building a new I-10 interchange at Tangerine ($25M, $160M-ADOT)

Each project also includes bicycle, pedestrian, and drainage improvements.

To learn more, visit RTAnext.com. There you’ll find the full plan, background information, and ways to get involved—such as scheduling a presentation, submitting comments, or subscribing to the newsletter. Businesses can also explore the RTA’s Business Assistance Program at rtamobility.com/services/business-assistance, which supports businesses directly affected by construction projects.

Here in Oro Valley, our staff is working with PAG (Pima Association of Governments) and RTA to help residents stay informed. I encourage you to follow “Town of Oro Valley – Government” on Facebook for reminders and updates.

As your Mayor and as Chair of the RTA Board, I encourage you to learn about RTA Next so you’re prepared to make your voice heard on March 10, 2026. The future of transportation in Oro Valley—and across our region—is in your hands.