Bits and Pieces

Unusual fiscal year-end council meeting called to address funding gap for Naranja Drive path project 

The Oro Valley Town Council will hold a special Zoom meeting Monday—the very last day of the fiscal year—to consider an urgent funding amendment for the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path project. The meeting addresses a $341,000 estimated project shortfall after construction bids came in higher than expected for the project. Council will decide whether to use leftover funds from other 2025 street projects to keep the Naranja path on track for a summer start and early 2026 completion. In order for these monies to be available for use in the next fiscal year, the leftover funds must be designated for multi-use path construction before the end of this fiscal year. Our guess is that the urgent meeting is needed so the funds can be designated for this use before the fiscal year closes.

Fourth of July festivities and new shade at the tennis courts

Oro Valley’s annual Fourth of July Celebration returns to James D. Kriegh Park on July 4, featuring live music, food trucks, a beer garden, family games, and fireworks, plus the town’s first-ever hot dog eating contest at 7:30 p.m. In addition, construction is underway on new shaded viewing and seating areas at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility, with completion expected in July—giving tennis players and spectators a cooler, more comfortable space for summer matches and community events.  Read even more about what is going on this this weeks's Town of Oro Valley "This Week In Parks and Rec”  bulletin. 

Interested in helping Oro Valley build its tourism base? Apply now for one of five seats on the new Tourism Advisory Commission

Oro Valley is launching a brand new Tourism Advisory Commission and is now accepting applications from residents who want to help shape the town’s future as a top destination for visitors. The five-member commission will advise the Town Council on everything from strategic marketing to special events, resort partnerships, and tourism budget priorities. If you have experience or a strong interest in hospitality, travel, marketing, or events—or just want to make a difference in how the town promotes itself—this is a great way to get involved. Members will serve three-year terms and the group will meet monthly for the first year, then quarterly after that. Applications are open now. Apply here or call by the Town Clerk’s Office at (520) 229-4700 for more information.  Read how all this came about in LOVE. 

 

Park painting project underway in Rancho Vistoso

Rancho Vistoso has started a summer-long painting project at Hohokam and Wildlife Ridge Parks, with crews repainting perimeter walls, restrooms, and ramadas to freshen up these popular community spaces. The work began June 9 and will continue through the season. Residents are encouraged to watch for “Wet Paint” signs and to avoid the areas being painted until the project is complete, helping ensure a safe and smooth update for everyone who uses the parks. (Source) 

Oro Valley Water: Smart water tips and a new bill payment portal now live

The latest Oro Valley Water Utility newsletter is packed with helpful updates for residents this summer. Most notably, the Town has rolled out a new online bill payment portal, making it easier than ever to manage your water account and pay bills securely from home. The newsletter also offers timely water-saving tips to help you conserve during the hottest months, including suggestions for efficient irrigation and reminders about monsoon season preparation. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out the Water Utility website for more details and to explore the new portal—small changes can make a big difference for your bill and the community. (Source:  Town of Oro Valley "Behind The Meter) .

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Jim Williams Receives National History Award for "Oro Valley The First Fifty Years"

A prestigious recognition for Oro Valley history

Jim Williams, a longtime Oro Valley resident and past president of the Oro Valley Historical Society, has been awarded the 2024 Award of Excellence by the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for his book, Oro Valley The First Fifty Years. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards, now in its 80th year, is recognized as one of the highest honors for achievement in preserving and interpreting state and local history.

A career dedicated to education and local history
Williams moved to Oro Valley in 2006 after a career as a social studies educator in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where he served as a teacher, department chair, and district coordinator. He was recognized in Pennsylvania for his contributions to education. In Arizona, he has written two articles for the Journal of Arizona History. His first book about Oro Valley, Claiming the Desert, was published in 2018 and focuses on the area’s settlers, homesteaders, and ranchers from 1865 to 1965. 

Books that give back to the community
Both Oro Valley The First Fifty Years and Claiming the Desert are available for purchase on Amazon, at the Western National Parks store on North Vistoso Village Drive, and at the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch. Proceeds from book sales benefit the Oro Valley Historical Society.

Congratulations to Jim Williams
The Oro Valley Historical Society congratulates Jim Williams on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his dedication to keeping Oro Valley’s history alive.

Oro Valley Historical Society celebrates 20 years
The Oro Valley Historical Society, an all-volunteer nonprofit, is celebrating its 20th year of keeping Oro Valley’s history alive. The Society’s mission is to promote research, preservation, education, and the sharing of history related to the greater Oro Valley area.

About the AASLH Award of Excellence
The AASLH Award of Excellence honors projects and individuals in civic engagement, special projects, educational programs, exhibits, publications, and lifetime achievement. Winners represent the best in their field and provide leadership for the future of state and local history.

Learn more at www.ovhistory.org and read LOVE previous reports about Jim here.

Oro Valley Considers New Local Taxes to Fund Potential Future Revenue Gap in 2029-30

Town looks to close future "way out" projected revenue gap
Oro Valley is considering adding several new local taxes in response to projections by tow staff that the Town will face a revenue shortfall by 2030. At last week's council study session, Town staff outlined three possible new taxes for the council to consider: A use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax. These taxes are already in place in nearby communities such as Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita, but are not currently collected in Oro Valley. The main goal is to generate additional revenue to help maintain the Town’s financial stability in the years ahead.

Understanding the Use Tax: Who pays and how it works
The proposed use tax would apply to goods purchased out of state or online and brought into Oro Valley for use. Technically, both businesses and individual residents are responsible for paying this tax if the seller did not collect Oro Valley sales tax at the time of purchase. In practice, most compliance comes from businesses, since they are subject to tax audits and must routinely report these purchases. For individuals, use tax is mainly self-reported and rarely enforced, except for large items like vehicles, where tax collection is linked to registration. The Town acknowledges that use tax collection from individuals is challenging and not always realistic. The primary intent is to create a level playing field for local retailers and generate new revenue for capital improvements. Based on the town’s projections, the use tax could generate from $375,000 to $600,000 annually. 

Telecommunications Tax would impact local consumers
A telecommunications tax is also being considered, which would add a charge to every cell phone bill in Oro Valley. This tax is already common in other Arizona towns. If adopted, it would mainly affect local residents, since the fee is typically passed directly to the consumer. Vice Mayor Barrett noted that many residents are already seeing several fees and taxes on their phone bills and expressed concern about adding another cost. Town staff estimate this tax could bring in about $650,000 each year. 

Commercial Rental Tax would affect businesses and individuals
The commercial rental tax would apply to all businesses renting commercial space in Oro Valley, including offices, retail stores, and self-storage units. In most cases, business tenants would pay the tax, but those renting storage units—often individuals—would also be affected. Council members, including Mayor Winfield and Councilmember Murphy, raised concerns about the impact on small businesses, especially given other rising expenses. The projected annual revenue from the commercial rental tax is about $1.1 million. 

Council shows mixed reactions to the new taxes
Council members expressed a range of reactions to the proposed taxes. Mayor Winfield was clear about his reservations regarding the commercial rental tax, stating that it "gives me the most heartburn" because of its potential impact on small businesses. Councilmember Murphy also emphasized the need to protect local entrepreneurs. Vice Mayor Barrett expressed strong concern about the telecommunications tax, noting that "many residents are already seeing several fees and taxes on their phone bills." While there was less direct opposition to the use tax, it was generally regarded as more feasible, since it brings Oro Valley in line with neighboring towns and primarily targets out-of-town and online purchases.

LOVE's Opinion: There is no need at this time for the town to implement new taxes..there is much the town can do to meet the spending challenge in other ways

Staff is recommending new taxes when there is no immediate need. The need, according to them, is based on a forecast they developed about a possible revenue shortfall in 2030. It is their forecast—a point estimate that makes many assumptions and could be completely wrong by then. In addition, the Council should not approve new taxes until it has undertaken an independent, third-party study, reporting directly to Council, on efficiency and potential ways to reduce spending and costs. It has been many years since the last such independent study was done—specifically, in 2008—and much has changed now that the Town has matured as a community. It is not possible for staff to “do surgery on themselves.” Like most organizations, they do not have the ability to critically examine and remove activities that are no longer needed. Therefore, the study must report directly to the Council. Finally, the only area that might be excluded from such a study is the police department. The reason is not that the police department should never be reviewed, but that including it would create unnecessary anxiety in the community among those who strongly support our police force. That is exactly what happened with the 2008 study.

You need to get involved
As we reported last week, you need to get involved. Last week, Town staff emphasized that a community engagement process is underway to gather feedback on these proposed taxes before any final decisions are made. A series of online public meetings and outreach events are scheduled for July, but several council members raised concerns that holding sessions during the middle of summer could limit participation, as many residents are away or may not be aware that important tax changes are being considered. Council members also noted that many residents may not fully understand the details or impact of the proposed taxes, and they encouraged staff to expand and improve the outreach effort to reach a broader audience. The engagement process will include online sessions and feedback opportunities, with additional input to be sought through town boards and commissions, leading up to council consideration later this year. LOVE will continue to follow this issue and will report on any other fee or revenue changes being proposed.

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Next Tuesday: Stormwater Fee Changes In the Offing

Next Wednesday: Increases in Facility Use and Rental Fees Are On The Table

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Council To Consider Folding Community Center Sales Tax Into General Fund In August

Tax no longer need to support municipal golf and the community center
The Oro Valley Town Council will consider folding the one-half percent Community Center sales tax into the town's General Fund when it returns from summer holiday in August. This will make the funds available for any use; not just use for the community fund or other recreational assets. This tax was enacted ten years ago by a 4-3 council vote when the town acquired the 47-hole El Conquistador Golf facility from HSL Properties. The reason for the tax was to provide a stable, dedicated funding source to support the newly acquired community center and golf operations, which were expected to run at a deficit in the early years. The expectation was that the tax would not be needed after that time.  But, as we all know, a tax, once enacted never goes away, 

Mayor’s proposal: Move the tax to the general fund
At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Winfield proposed folding the tax into the general fund for several reasons:

• The dedicated sales tax has stabilized the finances of the community center and golf operations, which are now performing better and require less support.
• Moving the tax revenue to the general fund allows the Council to allocate funds to the town’s most pressing needs—including public safety, roads, parks, infrastructure, and community services—rather than limiting it to the community center and golf.
• The current arrangement is perceived as benefiting a narrow interest group.  Yet the tax is collected from all residents and visitors. Integrating it into the general fund “reinforces unity and fairness” and reflects a shift to shared community investment.
• This change would increase fiscal flexibility as Oro Valley nears build-out and construction-related revenues decline, positioning the town for long-term financial health.

Council reactions: Range of opinions, but no support for status quo
Council members expressed support for doing something different with the tax revenues. None supported leaving it as a dedicated source for the community center only: 

• Vice Mayor Barrett supported the Mayor’s proposal:  “I am so pleased with how well golf is doing. For the second year in a row we have not relied on any of the tax money, and that’s what it was basically set up to do ten years ago. ” 
• Council Member Murphy floated the idea of dedicating the tax for all parks and recreation programs. 
• Council Member Greene seemed cautious about making a change:  “I think if we go back historically, this money was designated for the community center and for golf and I think that we need to keep that in mind as we begin to spend it on other issues as they come up. So, I’m for really having a full discussion on this and not acting precipitously on it tonight.”
• Council Member Jones-Ivey leaned toward the parks and recreation fund idea but expressed concern about transparency if the money goes to the general fund: “Sometimes when monies go into the general fund, it really in the past has kind of gotten mired so that transparency is lost. … My question would be: How would we then earmark that money going into the general fund so if something is needed in parks and rec, it can come back?”
• Council Member Robb summed up her support for a change stating, “I agree it’s time to share the wealth on this money.” 

August public hearing. ..Active community involvement
The August meeting will be a public hearing on the proposed change. The community center and golf supporters are expected to pack the hearing and advocate for keeping the tax dedicated to their operations. Historically, they have been successful in persuading the Council to continue support. It remains to be seen whether Mayor Winfield will stick to his position or compromise as he has done in the past when face was significant opposition. 

"Putting to bed" a "bone of contention”

Golf and the community center have been a point of contention since former Mayor Hiremath first brought the acquisition to the council in 2014. The hope is that folding the sales tax into the general fund will help reduce this ongoing debate. 

No discussion of permanently sunsetting the tax
One thing the Council will not consider is ending (sunsetting) the community center sales tax. As it stands, this tax means Oro Valley’s sales tax rate is 2.5% is the highest in southern Arizona. This higher rate may contribute to residents and visitors shopping outside of Oro Valley for big-ticket items, as it is less expensive to shop elsewhere.

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley seeks public input on new taxes and fee increases

The Town of Oro Valley has launched a community engagement effort to gather resident input on proposals to broaden the town’s tax base and adjust several local fees. The proposed changes, which come from the Parks and Recreation Department, Stormwater Utility, and Finance Department, are aimed at helping the Town maintain essential services and infrastructure. Residents are invited to participate in three upcoming Zoom meetings in July, each focusing on different areas: parks and recreation fees, potential new general taxes (such as a commercial use tax, telecommunications tax, and commercial rental lease tax), and stormwater utility fees. The Town is combining these proposals into one public process to provide transparency and make it easier for residents to ask questions and provide feedback before a final decision is made by Council in October. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 16, 2025)

Free sandbags available for residents during monsoon season 

 Oro Valley is once again offering free, self-service sandbags to residents in preparation for monsoon season. Starting June 15 and continuing through September 30 (or while supplies last), residents can pick up sandbags daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Naranja Park, just north of the park entrance on Naranja Drive. This service is designed to help property owners protect against storm runoff and potential flooding. Each household is limited to ten sandbags, and residents must bring their own shovels. Assistance is available by appointment for those who need help with bagging. For more information or to schedule help, contact the Stormwater Utility at 520-229-4850 or pw@orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 11, 2025)

Council approves fiscal 2026 Budget

Wednesda, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the fiscal 2026 budget. This follows their June 4 approval of the spending limit of $151.5 million for the year. The council approved the budget essentially as submitted by the town manager.

No pesticides or herbicides detected in Oro Valley’s water

Oro Valley’s latest water quality testing found no detectable levels of man-made pesticides or herbicides—known as synthetic organic compounds (SOCs)—in any of the wells sampled. This means the town remains in full compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Routine testing continues to show that these contaminants are not present in the community’s water supply.

Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility adding new shaded viewing area

Here’s something new for tennis fans: Construction is underway at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility to add two large shade structures, concrete pads, small bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. The new space will offer a comfortable area for watching matches, taking a break, and hosting community gatherings. The project, located between the tennis pro shop and court #1, began on May 27 and is expected to be completed in July. This improvement aims to enhance the experience for both players and spectators, and it’s just in time for the busy summer season  (Source: This Week In Parks and Recreation, 6-19-25)

 “Locals Eat Local” Sticker Hunt Launches – A Fun Way to Discover 20 Local Restaurants

Most residents haven’t heard this yet: the Oro Valley Chamber’s “Locals Eat Local” sticker hunt, discussed by Chamber President Kristen Sharp at Wednesday's council meeting, is running all summer and features 20 participating restaurants. Diners pick up a map (at the Chamber office, library, or via the Explore Oro Valley app) and collect stickers—each restaurant has its own—while enjoying meals around town. Spend $20 or more at any five stops, and you can redeem either a custom Arizona‑shaped cutting board or a combined hat-and-tote prize from the Chamber It’s a tasty and engaging way to support local eateries—and even discover new favorites. Learn more and get started here: Explore the Locals Eat Local program.

Oro Valley Destination Marketing continues to show plenty of tourism activites, but few measurable results so far

The Town’s latest tourism update, presented to the Council Wednesday, continues to show lots of planning and outreach—meetings with resort managers, progress on a new leisure travel management plan, and work to recruit major events like pickleball tournaments and art festivals. Most of the headline events (like the women’s soccer and Fine Arts & Wine Festival) actually approached Oro Valley themselves. The team is learning from logistical challenges, such as parking at Naranja Park, and is hopeful that new branding, website upgrades, and event partnerships will eventually boost visitor numbers. For now, much of the work remains behind the scenes, with the impact still to be measured.

Oro Valley 2026 Path Forward General Plan Is 30% Complete—Here’s Where It Stands

The plan is a "work in progress"
Oro Valley is in the process of updating its long-term general plan, known as the “OV's Path Forward.” As of May 2025, the plan is about 30% complete. With the support of town staff,  resident volunteers are working to shape this document into a comprehensive guide for Oro Valley’s next decade.

Resident are creating the plan
Residents have played a critical role from the beginning. The process started in late 2023 with a community-wide survey, both online and by phone, and continued with dozens of public events. There have been more than 9.000 comments. Four Resident Working Groups—open to anyone—met regularly in early 2025 to focus on topics like safety, parks, the environment, and economic growth. There were 25 resident working group meetings.

The 30% plan is a first look at Oro Valley’s future priorities
The 30% draft consolidates the work of the Resident Working Groups and prior resident guidance into a set of goals, policies, and specific action steps. It covers four main themes: community (public safety, arts, parks), sustainability (environment, water, climate), development (housing, land use, transportation), and the local economy (businesses, tourism, finances). In total, the draft includes 30 goals, 78 policies, and 255 action items.

Priorities derived from community feedback
Major priorities identified by residents include maintaining Oro Valley’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly community, supporting quality schools, expanding parks and trail options, and protecting the area’s natural beauty. Sustainability is also a major theme—residents want water conservation, protection of native plants and wildlife, and steps to address climate and energy issues.

Focus on public safety and quality of life
The plan’s public safety section calls for continued investment in police staffing and technology, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, and disaster preparedness. For example, one draft action calls for “intensifying enforcement efforts targeting speeding, red-light violations, and distracted or aggressive driving behaviors to enhance road safety and reduce traffic incidents.” Another action proposes expanding the High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) program in areas where residents have reported more traffic problems.

The plan calls for investing in outdoor spaces and trail improvements
Residents value Oro Valley’s outdoor amenities. The draft includes proposals to expand trail networks, improve park facilities for all ages, add shade and accessibility features, and restore natural areas like the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. For instance, the plan calls for adding uniform signage along multi-use paths and trails, installing shade structures at Naranja Park’s play areas, and creating a long-term restoration plan for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.

Protecting the environment
Goals for the environment include conserving open spaces, restoring habitats, managing water resources, and promoting sustainable practices. An example is the draft action to “evaluate town practices to minimize the use of harmful herbicides and pesticides on town properties and act as a model for the community.” The plan also proposes launching a volunteer program to help remove invasive species, especially at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.

Guiding targeted or strategic growth
On development, the draft plan encourages responsible land use, public gathering areas, more retail and restaurant options, housing variety, transportation improvements, and protection of views and open space. For example, one policy supports updating the zoning code to limit the amount of grading and disturbance on new development sites to better protect native vegetation and scenic views. Another action suggests requiring new housing developments to work with the school district to ensure enough school capacity as the town grows.

Building economic sustainability
The plan addresses the need for a strong local economy, with support for existing businesses, encouragement of tourism, and careful management of town finances. For example, the draft includes an action to “assist a nonprofit or other entities interested in leading the effort to help develop an arts, humanities, and cultural center, which includes performance and instructional spaces.” There is also a focus on promoting Oro Valley as a bike-friendly and retirement-friendly community to attract visitors and new residents.

Next steps and resident involvement
The 30% draft is not final. It will be refined over the coming months, with more opportunities for public comment coming this fall. The final version will include more details, maps, graphics, and a glossary. Residents are encouraged to stay involved by reviewing the draft, attending meetings, and submitting comments. For more information and to follow the process, visit the official project website at OVPathForward.com.

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Will Oro Valley Get Caught Up In RTA Politics When RTANext Comes To A Vote?

RTA Next goes to voters in November

In November, Pima County voters will be asked to approve RTANext—a 20-year extension of the half-percent sales tax that funds countywide transportation improvements. The current voter-approved Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan expires in June 2026.

Past RTA investments have supported Oro Valley

The current plan has already delivered significant benefits to Oro Valley. The town has received at least $83.1 million in RTA funding for major road improvements, including the widening of La Cañada Drive and La Cholla Boulevard, and the construction of wildlife crossings on Oracle Road. RTA has also supported local transit needs, contributing $157,662 toward new Sun Shuttle vehicles and helping fund ongoing fixed-route and Dial-a-Ride services. In FY 2024–25 alone, Oro Valley is budgeting $381,448 as its local match to replace 12 Sun Shuttle vehicles, leveraging additional state and federal grants. These investments have improved traffic flow, enhanced safety, and provided essential transportation services to residents.

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RTANext would fund additional Oro Valley related projects and its Dial-a-Ride service

The RTA Next plan also outlines several new infrastructure and transportation improvements that involve Oro Valley. 

• Shannon Road new roadway starting at Tangerine and continuing well beyond town limits to the south ($23.43 million)
• Widening Lambert Lane from La Canada to well beyond town limits to the west ($50.16 million)
• Intersection upgrade at Tangerine and First Ave ($3.13 million)
• Sidewalk on Naranja Drive, from La Canada to First Ave

RTANext also includes support for Oro Valley’s transit system. The draft plan and accompanying materials confirm that the Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride service—covering communities like Oro Valley—will continue to receive RTA funding through the proposed new 20‑year extension.

 

Director’s removal raises governance concerns

Two weeks ago, however, the board that oversees RTA funding voted to fire Executive Director Farhad Moghimi. Moghimi served as Executive Director of both the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the RTA for approximately 13 years. Then, in an unusual move, the board asked him to help draft the criteria for hiring his replacement. That decision raises questions. After all, he was removed for reasons that included poor leadership, financial mismanagement, and a lack of transparency. Why should the individual deemed unfit to lead be tasked with defining the qualities of the next leader? Many would say the appropriate course was for Moghimi to say goodbye—and for the board to take full responsibility for charting the agency’s future.

A split vote and Winfield’s opposition

Moghimi was terminated on a 5 to 4 vote. The reasons cited included failure to control project cost overruns, delayed financial reporting, inflation of funding shortfall projections, and a management style that contributed to high staff turnover and allegations of staff being silenced through non-disclosure agreements. Apparently these reasons did not convince Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield, who sits on the board. He was one of the four board members who voted against removing Moghimi. Winfield explained that he opposed the termination due to concerns over legal exposure and noted his respect for Moghimi’s understanding of legal and regulatory requirements.

RTA politics may reshape RTA priorities

We suspect, but cannot confirm, that there may be other reasons Winfield chose not to support the firing. Moghimi’s removal was driven in large part by Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and others who have expressed dissatisfaction with how RTA funds have been distributed. According to the Tucson Sentinel, Romero criticized Moghimi at an April board meeting for demonstrating “hatred” toward the City of Tucson and voiced concerns over a $143 million shortfall that threatened to delay or eliminate several of Tucson’s remaining RTA-funded projects. Editorial commentary in the Sentinel further described the move to oust Moghimi as an effort by Romero and her allies to bring in leadership more aligned with Tucson’s priorities. While not stated outright, the implication is clear: Those who voted for Moghimi’s removal may hope a new director will take a different approach to project selection and funding allocations. In that light, a voter rejection of the RTA Next measure in November could jeopardize the very projects that benefit Oro Valley—projects that were carefully negotiated and included in the draft plan.

Failure of the ballot measure would delay or perhaps "kill"some road projects Oro Valley

All of this places Oro Valley in a somewhat unusual position. The town is relying on RTA Next to fund some transportation projects. Fortunately, none of the Oro Valley projects a critical.  If the ballot initiative is not approved by voters in November, those projects will go unfunded. Existing RTA funding will expire in June 2026, which would jeopardize funding of public transportation services like the Sun Shuttle. In addition, rejection of the measure could lead to a reshuffling or restructuring of the project list—potentially causing Oro Valley to lose some of the improvements that are currently included in the RTANext plan.

So, what happens to RTA funding matters to you.  
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How RTA is funded

The RTA is funded through a dedicated half-percent sales tax approved by Pima County voters in 2006. This tax applies to most goods and services that are also subject to the state sales tax, including retail, restaurants, construction, and utilities. Over the past 18 years, the tax has generated more than $1.6 billion in revenue to support roadway, safety, transit, and environmental projects across the region. The current tax will expire in June 2026, unless voters approve its extension through the RTA Next ballot measure.

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