Connect Pima Coalition Launches in Support of RTA Next

4 months ago 32

Tucson, Arizona – Connect Pima, the official campaign in support of RTA Next, formally launched today, with a coalition of business, community, and public sector leaders advocating for the extension of the RTA 1 transportation funding measure. The effort is led by Mimi Coomler, CEO of Tucson Medical Center; Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson; Alejandro Angel, Director […] The post Connect Pima Coalition Launches in Support of RTA Next appeared first on AZAGC.

Tucson, Arizona – Connect Pima, the official campaign in support of RTA Next, formally launched today, with a coalition of business, community, and public sector leaders advocating for the extension of the RTA 1 transportation funding measure. The effort is led by Mimi Coomler, CEO of Tucson Medical Center; Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson; Alejandro Angel, Director of Engineering of Psomas; Mayor Jon Post, Town of Marana; Carolyn Campbell, longtime conservation leader; David Cohen, Senior Advisor of BeachFleischman; and Paloma Santiago, Southern District Director of Junior Achievement of Arizona.

In 2006, Pima County voters overwhelmingly approved a 20-year, half-cent sales tax dedicated to building and improving transportation infrastructure across Southern Arizona. That plan – RTA 1 – funded major investments in regional road corridors, streets, and transit. The tax is set to expire in July 2026 unless it is renewed. On August 25, 2025, the RTA Board adopted the new RTA Next plan. Just days later, on September 2nd, the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to refer RTA Next to the March 2026 ballot.

“Passing RTA Next is a crucial next step in ensuring Pima County’s vibrant economy continues to grow,” said Connect Pima Chairperson Mimi Coomler. “By investing in critical transportation infrastructure, we can prepare for future growth while making sure our roads get the repairs and upgrades they need today. I am proud of the broad coalition of community leaders and organizations that have joined Connect Pima and we look forward to sharing our vision with voters across Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, Pima County and the tribal nations across the region.”

Connect Pima Co-Chair Mayor Regina Romero added, “I am happy to add my support for a plan that will fix our major roads, fund Bus Rapid Transit, and create more safety for operators and riders. This plan will bring funding for critical infrastructure and transportation projects to Tucson. Voters deserve the opportunity to make choices about how their dollars are invested. This package moves Tucson and our region forward, creating a better quality of life and good local jobs.”

“Thanks to the leadership of the RTA board, including Mayor Romero and Mayor Winfield, we now have a forward-looking transportation plan that prioritizes safety, improves mobility, and creates economic opportunity for all residents across Pima County,” said Connect Pima Co-Chair Alejandro Angel. “The continued investment provided by RTA Next lays the foundation for good-paying jobs, accessible communities, and a resilient transportation network for future generations.

“The RTA Next plan is vital to the future of our entire region. Without it, the Town of Marana, and communities across our region, would lose the ability to fund essential transportation improvements that keep us connected and moving forward. This is more than just a transportation plan, it’s an investment in our shared future. I urge everyone to come together as a region and vote ‘Yes’ on the RTA Next plan in March 2006” said Mayor Jon Post of Marana.

The Connect Pima Coalition brings together leading community, business, and nonprofit organizations from across Southern Arizona, united in their commitment to investing in the region’s critical infrastructure.

Connect Pima Coalition:

Chairperson – Mimi Coomler, Tucson Medical Center, CEO
Co-Chair – Mayor Regina Romero, City of Tucson
Co-Chair – Alejandro Angel, Psomas, Director of Engineering

Co-Chair – Paloma Santiago, Junior Achievement of AZ, Southern District Dir.
Co-Chair – David Cohen, BeachFleischman, Senior Advisor

Co-Chair – Mayor Jon Post, Town of Marana

Co-Chair – Carolyn Campbell, longtime conservation leader

ACEC Arizona, Chris Bridges, Executive Director

Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America, Todd Wynn, Director of Governmental Relations

Arizona Transportation Builders Association, Lisa Hagins, Executive Director

Southern Arizona Homebuilders Association, David Godlewski, CEO

Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Cristie Street, Sr. VP & COO

Cottonwood Properties, Sandi Garrick, Dir. Construction & Community Relations

The Chamber of Southern Arizona, Michael Guymon, Chief Advocacy Officer

HDR, Michael Barton, Vice President

Sundt Construction, Ian McDowell, Vice President & Regional Director, Tucson