If you are interested in learning more about how roadway transportation projects are delivered, why it takes a long time to complete larger projects or more about the status of the Regional Transportation Authority projects which Pima County voters approved in March 2026, you have come to the right place.
RTA Delivers, a podcast of the RTA, provides information on the history of the RTA, 2006 and 2026 plan and sales tax election details, progress of active transportation projects or insights on delivery methods, RTA transparency and accountability, and more.
The podcast takes a deep dive on RTA projects, the organization, and the complexities of transportation projects. Each episode features staffers and experts who impart their expertise on what it takes to plan, fund, start and finish a project. How are decisions made? How are funds distributed? What are the potential roadblocks?
From corridor projects, to bike and pedestrian facilities, to the various transit project, RTA delivers covers all things RTA, which is also all things transportation in the region. The RTA Delivers podcast is one of the best ways to stay informed of the various RTA projects, from projects that are near completion to projects that are on the schedule down the line.
New episodes will air at least twice a month. Find episodes and subscribe to RTA Delivers at Apple Podcasts and Spotify. [SS1]
Episodes:
11. When is a roadway project done?
When is a roadway project actually done? Pima Association of Governments Transportation Planning Director Rick Ellis explains some of the complexities that go into planning and delivering major roadway projects.
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10. What’s the first line of business for RTA Next?
With voter approval of Props 418 and 419 (The RTA Next plan and sales tax), we sat down with RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega to discuss some of the next steps for the RTA Next plan. Ortega explains how accountability and project delivery will be the RTA’s top priorities and how the pavement preservation element of the new voter-approved plan will deliver needed roadway repairs for the region.
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9. Dispelling myths and misconceptions about Props 418 and 419
RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega joins the podcast to help clear the air about the RTA Next plan and tax, Props 418 and 419, which voters will decide at the March 10 election.
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8. Roadway corridor project in RTA Next plan
Rick Ellis, Pima Association of Governments Director of Transportation Services, discusses roadway corridors included in the RTA Next plan.
Roadway corridors in the plan will not only help ease congestion and move traffic more efficiently but improve regional connectivity and provide new safety features for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Inside Pima County with Rex Scott: RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega
PAG Executive Director Michael Ortega was the guest on Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott’s podcast to talk about RTA Next (Props 418 and 419), the history of the Regional Transportation Authority, and the role of PAG as the region’s metropolitan planning organization. (Apple)
7. How the RTA Next plan was developed
PAG Executive Director Michael Ortega and Transportation Planning Director Jeanette DeRenne discuss how the RTA Next projects were selected to present to Pima County voters for their approval in the March election and how the contents of the RTA Next plan will help the region meet its transportation needs.
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6. More facts about RTA Next
Michael Ortega, Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director, shares more facts about the proposed RTA Next plan and funding (Props 418 and 419) on the ballot in March.
Tune in to the discussion to learn how the 20-year regional transportation plan would be funded, why regional funding benefits all transportation users, and the economic impacts of improved transportation networks.
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5. What’s up with the RTA: Update on projects in the current RTA plan
Pima Association of Governments Director of Transportation Services Rick Ellis, who coordinates with member jurisdictions on RTA funded projects, provides updates on RTA projects that are underway and several about to begin construction activities.
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4. Transit and RTA Next
Pima Association of Governments Transportation and Mobility Manager Preston McLaughlin joins the podcast to discuss transit, the RTA’s role in supporting local transit and how transit will be impacted by the RTA Next plan. Learn more about RTA Next.
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3. Facts about RTA Next
RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega returns to the podcast to discuss some facts about the RTA and give insight on some of the more frequently asked questions about the original plan and RTA Next.
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2. History of the RTA
Join us for a discussion with Pima Association of Governments Community Relations Administrator Steve Huffman and former Deputy Director of Pima Association of Governments Jim DeGrood. They discuss the history of the Regional Transportation Authority, the successes of the plan and what the future holds. Huffman was one of the legislators who created the bi-partisan legislation that led to the creation of the RTA. DeGrood is a former RTA director who recently served as a consultant to help finalize the RTA Next plan.
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1. What is RTA Next?
Join host Patrick McNamara as he interviews Pima Association of Governments and RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega as they discuss the RTA and RTA Next, a proposed regional transportation plan for voter consideration to fund transportation improvements for the next 20 years.
The $2.67 billion, 20-year plan would fund arterial roadway reconstruction, roadway corridor improvements, existing and expanded transit services, environmental protection, small business assistance, and safety, ADA and active transportation improvements.
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