Ortega, Former Tucson City Manager, Chosen to Lead RTA

The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) has swiftly appointed Mike Ortega as interim executive director, just 11 days after the board’s controversial decision to fire longtime chief Farhad Moghimi. Ortega, who stepped down as Tucson’s city manager last year, finds himself in a challenging but pivotal role.

Ortega previously criticized the RTA Next plan, labeling it “fiscally irresponsible” for Tucson to commit to 20 more years of road spending under its former framework. On Monday, he admitted he hadn’t examined the current plan closely enough to provide specific comments. “I don’t know the details of the current plan on the table,” Ortega said, underscoring his need for more information.

Board members unanimously voted for Ortega’s interim position following a closed-door meeting where they interviewed three candidates. The swift decision, made after a 90-minute executive session, highlighted the urgency of leadership amid ongoing turmoil.

Marana Mayor Jon Post initiated the motion to hire Ortega, backed by Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. RTA Board Chair and Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield noted the board felt “greatly blessed” with the quality of candidates who came forward.

Ortega expressed his willingness to assist the community, emphasizing his desire to bring positive contributions. He acknowledged, “Obviously, getting a director on board soon is important,” though the timeline for a permanent hire remains unclear.

The board’s decision to fire Moghimi culminated from a split 5-4 vote, driven primarily by representatives from Tucson, South Tucson, Pima County, and Native leaders. This shift also ended Moghimi’s term at the Pima Association of Governments.

As the RTA grapples with the future of its road planning and construction efforts, the urgency to extend the half-cent sales tax—set to expire in 2026—has escalated. The RTA Next plan seeks to allocate roughly $1.4 billion for roadway projects and additional funds for transit, safety measures, and administrative expenses.

With the deadline for the Pima County Board of Supervisors to call a March election looming on September 11, urgency is paramount. Arizona State Transportation Board member Ted Maxwell stressed the need to move quickly during recent meetings.

Ortega’s leadership at City Hall spanned 8.5 years, marking him as one of Tucson’s longest-serving city managers. His tenure began amid significant challenges, and he attributed his longevity to building a cohesive team. As his departure approached, Ortega reflected on the need for responsible fiscal planning, particularly in the context of regional collaborations and investments.

In discussions around RTA Next, there’s been a degree of flexibility among jurisdictions, with some shifting projects to accommodate the needs of Tucson. This evolution has tempered previous resistance from city leaders, leading to more constructive dialogues about the plan’s direction.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero acknowledged that the RTA Next draft has addressed key concerns of the City Council, signaling a potential shift toward a collaborative approach for future transportation initiatives.