History of the RTP
The MAG region is proud of its unique legacy in investing in our transportation system. We would not have the system we have today without a regional commitment to fund multimodal transportation. The RTP creates a vision, but it is regional funding that brings that vision to life.
In 1985, voters passed Proposition 300, beginning the collection of a 20-year, half-cent sales tax focused on establishing the Valley’s freeway network. In 2004, voters approved Proposition 400, a 20-year extension of the dedicated half-cent sales tax to fund multimodal transportation investments, continuing the needed expansion of the region’s system. Combined, the revenue generated from these propositions delivered Loops 101, 202, and 303, light rail and streetcar, arterial street investments, and contributions to a growing multimodal network — a total investment of over $12 billion.
With Proposition 400 collections set to expire at the end of 2025, MAG embarked on a multi-year planning effort to develop a new investment plan to serve as the basis for the extension of Proposition 400. A proposed 20-year extension of the dedicated half-cent sales tax and will be placed on a ballot for Maricopa County voters’ consideration in November 2024.
MOMENTUM: Four Years in the Making
Long-range regional transportation planning is a continual, cooperative, and comprehensive process that requires collaboration among many stakeholders. The MOMENTUM planning process kicked off in 2018 with a values mapping effort aimed at understanding public attitudes and perceptions about regional transportation needs and investment priorities. The final report Transportation Values & Priorities in the Maricopa Region served as the plan’s foundation.
Over the next three years, MAG staff worked closely with elected officials to develop the plan. Throughout the entire process, there was continuous public and stakeholder engagement. The Early Phase Public Input Report, Late Phase Public Input Report, and the Fiscal Year 2022 Public Input Report summarize public input and the outcomes of the MOMENTUM engagement efforts, which were directly reported to decision-makers.
Transportation planning is a continuous process, and our work included a robust stakeholder and public engagement strategy. Review our engagement by-the-numbers in the Public Participation and Stakeholder Engagement Stats 2019-2023.
The MAG Regional Council unanimously approved the MOMENTUM 2050 plan on December 1, 2021. The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a Finding of Conformity for MAG’s air quality conformity analysis of the plan on December 15, 2021.
Plan Amendments
Periodically, MAG amends the RTP to reflect the changing priorities and needs of our region. MAG documents all plan amendments. To review the latest plan amendments, click below.
Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a companion to the RTP. Where the RTP is a long-range vision for our transportation future, the TIP is a detailed near-term project listing and, by definition, serves as the first four years of the RTP.