Do your homework on RTA Next

RTA Next pays for wildlife crossing like this one over Oracle Road 

How should someone who cares about the environment vote on Props. 418 and 419? It is a complicated issue. WMG has joined Living Streets Alliance in advocating that we vote "No" because they want more budgeted for complete streets (green infrastructure, and safe infrastructure for bike riders, pedestrians, and transit riders.) But all of that is included in the proposed RTA Next road widening projects. If this is passed they will finally add more buses and much needed bus routes. If it doesn't pass, the 10 million dollar shortfall will mean that we will lose many of the routes we already have. How is that sustainable? They are assuming the people of Tucson would approve another budget with more money for these things. But if the responses on Nextdoor are any indication, that is highly unlikely. This is a "car town." Most people's priority is streets and getting those damn potholes fixed. The RTA Next budget includes money to repave the arterial and connector streets. If this doesn't pass - no one will get what they want.

Today Dan and I attended a meeting with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection. That environmental organization has advocated for years for RTA to pay for desperately needed wildlife crossings of I-10 at Avra Valley Road and Cienega Creek (like the successful wildlife crossing over Oracle Road.) This is important because the genetic diversity of wildlife is diminished when they are isolated by these traffic barriers, leading to population decreases of a number of species - especially bighorn sheep.

Mule deer safely cross over Oracle Road

https://www.sonorandesert.org/2026/01/13/a-vote-for-props-418-419-is-a-vote-for-wildlife-linkages

Map of priority biological resources of the Sonoran Desert conservation plan: 

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RTA Next is definitely not perfect - everyone can find something to dislike in it. But something is better than nothing.

Check it out yourself:

https://rtanext.com/wp-content/docs/next/RTA-Next-Plan-Final-Approved-8-25-2025.pdf If you have any questions, join the conversation at Sustainable Tucson's online meeting tonight at 6p.m

Sustainable Tucson meeting: Our Sustainable Transportation Future: What Will It Look Like? Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81015337872?pwd=9pghZcqVfkOJGLcLaQrbLFiFG7FZAU.1