Tucson Residents Urged to Reject RTA Next Measure

Local councilmember cites concerns over inequitable governance and funding allocation

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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A Tucson city councilmember is urging residents to vote against the proposed RTA Next measure, citing issues with the regional transportation authority's governance structure and funding allocation. The councilmember argues that the measure would maintain existing service levels while failing to address historic underinvestment in the city's most underserved neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The RTA Next measure represents a 20-year, multi-billion dollar investment in regional transportation infrastructure. How these funds are governed and allocated has significant implications for equity and the distribution of resources across the Tucson metro area.

The details

The councilmember initially supported the final revised version of the RTA Next plan, citing improvements like increased transit safety funding and a commitment to sustaining the region's fare-free transit system. However, the councilmember now opposes the measure, arguing that it maintains a flawed governance structure where Tucson, the largest population center and tax base, holds only one vote on the RTA board equal to much smaller suburban jurisdictions. This imbalance has historically resulted in Tucson projects being delayed or left unfinished while outer-area projects advanced. The councilmember believes a 'Tucson-first' investment strategy with proportional voice and accountability is needed to address longstanding inequities.

  • The RTA Next measure is on the ballot for Tucson voters in 2026.

The players

Rocque Perez

A Tucson city councilmember who initially supported the final revised version of the RTA Next plan but is now urging residents to vote against it.

Tucson Mayor

Has been a consistent and vocal critic of the RTA's governance structure and funding outcomes, raising concerns about representation, fairness, and return on investment for Tucson residents.

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What they’re saying

“If equity were truly centered, we would see earlier and more concentrated investment in the most underserved areas of our region, not expansions at the edges.”

— Rocque Perez, Tucson City Councilmember (tucson.com)

“Tucson is the region's largest population center and principal tax base, yet it holds only one vote on the RTA governing board — equal to much smaller suburban jurisdictions. That imbalance affects priorities and sequencing of projects, complemented by a pattern where Tucson supplies a large share of revenue while many investments occur outside the city.”

— Rocque Perez, Tucson City Councilmember (tucson.com)

What’s next

If the RTA Next measure fails, near-term service reductions are likely. Voters should understand that risk.

The takeaway

This vote represents a generational choice for Tucson residents to either maintain the status quo of an inequitable regional transportation authority or pursue a 'Tucson-first' investment strategy with proportional voice and accountability.