Town encourages voters to learn about RTA Next ahead of March election
Published on November 13, 2025
ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 13, 2025) – On March 10, 2026, voters in Oro Valley and across Pima County will be asked to consider RTA Next, a public-driven plan for improving our region’s transportation network. Voters will also be asked to consider a funding method, which would be a continuance of the previously approved half-cent sales tax.
The RTA Next Plan will appear on ballots as Proposition 418. The half-cent tax will appear as Proposition 419. Voters would need to approve both propositions for the plan to move forward.
Voters are encouraged to visit RTANext.com to learn more about what’s included in the plan, how it was developed, and how it could impact local travel, safety and mobility. The website includes interactive maps, frequently asked questions and details about the plan’s key elements.
“As Chair of the RTA Board, I see firsthand the importance of regional collaboration to keep our communities safe, connected and moving efficiently,” said Mayor Winfield. “I encourage residents to stay informed and engaged ahead of the March 2026 vote.”
If approved, RTA Next would invest approximately $2.67 billion regionwide, continuing to support roadway, transit, pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Planned projects in and around Oro Valley would include improvements to Lambert Lane, Shannon Road, Thornydale Road, Tangerine Road, among others.
The RTA’s current 20-year transportation plan, which will expire on June 30, 2026, is funded by a half-cent sales tax. Both the plan and the sales tax were approved by voters in 2006.
Community Q&A Session in OV on Dec. 10
Oro Valley residents are invited to attend an RTA Next Community Q&A Session on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Oro Valley Town Hall Council Chambers, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. The event, which is hosted by representatives of RTA Next, will include a short presentation followed by an open Q&A, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the proposed plan.
About the RTA and Oro Valley projects
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) was established by voters in 2006 to manage regional transportation investments funded by a half-cent sales tax. Since then, the RTA has delivered more than $1.6 billion in transportation improvements across Pima County, including 11 major projects in Oro Valley, such as:
- 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: Lambert Lane widening, La Cañada to Pusch View ($8.6M)
- 2010: La Cañada Dr. widening, Naranja to Tangerine ($6.1M)
RTA funding also supports 75% to 90% of Oro Valley’s Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride transit service.
Voter information
The March 10, 2026, vote will be an all-mail election, conducted by the Pima County Recorder’s Office. For more information, please visit www.recorder.pima.gov and select “Voter Information” from the left-hand menu.
Please note these important dates:
- FEB. 9: Last day to register to vote in the March 10, 2026 RTA Next election.
- FEB. 11: Registered voters will start receiving their RTA Next ballots in the mail.
- FEB. 27: Last day to request an early ballot.
- MARCH 3: Last day to drop your ballot in the mail to ensure it arrives by 7 p.m. on Election Day. The County Recorder will provide ballot drop-off sites for voters who don’t mail them by March 3, or who would prefer to submit their ballot in person. Those details will be announced by the Recorder’s Office at a later time.
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