Committee Co-Chairs Rebecca Timmer, Stantec and Richard Rosales, APS welcomed committee members and thanked them for their participation and engagement throughout 2025!
The group then heard from Ted Maxwell, President/CEO, Southern Arizona Leadership Council and State Transportation Board Chair and Mike Ortega, Executive Director (Interim), Pima Association of Governments.
Over the past 20 years, the Regional Transportation Authority invested $1.6 billion in regional transportation infrastructure improving the movement of people, goods, and services throughout Pima County and enhancing the local economy. This plan, funded by a half-cent sales tax, is coming to an end in 2026. A plan for the next 20-years, still funded by the same half-cent sales tax rate (not a tax increase) will be on the ballot for Pima County voters in March 2026. Complete details of the draft plan can be viewed here.
Click here to review the RTA Next presentation and note key points:
- ConnectPima.com for updates
- Vote is in March 2026
- Not a new tax!
- Impactful regionally and statewide, not just to Pima County.
- Rural will fight for the same dollars if this doesn’t pass.
- This initiative is about better, safer streets. Taxes won’t go up, it’s a continuation of current tax.
The PPGRC recommends that Pinal Partnership provide a Letter of Support.
We recognized and thanked our outgoing Committee Co-Chair Richard Rosales of APS for his service to the group and Partnership. Richard will continue on the committee and Katy Proctor, Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the City of Maricopa, will step up to co-chair with Rebecca in 2026.
Save the date, January 9th, 2026, for Pinal Partnership’s next breakfast. Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!