Smart Transportation Investments Could Yield Billions and Deliver What Voters Want for Arizona’s Future

According to new analysis from Unlocking Potential: Turn Arizona’s Priorities into Economic Gains, released by Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), strategic investment in Arizona’s transportation infrastructure could unlock billions in economic returns, improve mobility and safety, and reduce costs for households and businesses statewide.

Conducted by Rounds Consulting Group, the study finds that every $1 invested in transportation yields $1.60-$3.70 in return through higher productivity, lower operating costs, safer travel, and long-term job creation. The findings highlight transportation — alongside housing, childcare, and education — as essential economic infrastructure and a foundation for the state’s future growth and competitiveness.

“Arizonans consistently say they want leaders to plan ahead and make smart investments that strengthen our future,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA. “More than roads and bridges, transportation is a critical system to keep opportunity moving. When we make long-term investments, we help businesses run more efficiently, give people more time back in their day, and build the connected, thriving communities voters expect Arizona to deliver.”

Key Transportation Infrastructure Findings at a Glance

The analysis shows that forward-looking investments in roads, highways, and transit pay off many times over:

• High Economic ROI: Case studies show $1.60–$3.70 in return for every dollar invested in transit projects, including billions in local business sales, income gains, and job creation.
• Household Savings & Reliability: Reliable infrastructure and expanded transit options reduce the second-largest household expense by cutting fuel, maintenance, and time costs. Better roads and expanded transit reduce the household cost of getting to work, school, and services by ~$1,100 per month, while poorly maintained roads can cost Arizona drivers an average of ~$600 in repairs annually.
• Safer, More Reliable Travel: Maintaining pavement before critical deterioration can reduce crashes by up to 50% and ease congestion that costs metro Phoenix commuters $1.5 billion each year in lost time and fuel.
• Long-Term Competitiveness: Infrastructure investment improves freight and commuter reliability, expands access to the workforce, and strengthens Arizona’s ability to attract and retain businesses.

“Transportation investment isn’t a one-time expense, it’s an engine of growth,” said Jim Rounds, President of Rounds Consulting Group. “The data make it clear that smart, forward-looking investments can deliver value today while setting Arizona up for the long-term.”

Arizona’s rapid population and economic growth bring new pressure on roads, transit systems, and freight corridors. The report underscores that the cost of not investing, including lost time, reduced safety, and diminished competitiveness, can far exceed the price of action.

CFA’s Arizona Voters’ Agenda research shows that nine in ten voters across political and demographic lines already agree a robust, statewide transportation system is vital to Arizona’s future. Yet most believe the state lacks a long-term plan and stable funding to support growth and mobility.

“This is a defining opportunity for Arizona,” Dr. Francis added. “When we act on what voters agree on — planning ahead, investing wisely, and building for the future — we not only improve daily life but also secure prosperity for generations.”

Unlocking Potential translates voter-backed priorities into measurable economic gains across housing, childcare, education, and transportation, demonstrating how these interconnected systems form the infrastructure of a strong economy and thriving communities. The report offers data and modeling to help leaders evaluate long-term decisions and investments that align with what Arizonans want for the state’s future without prescribing policy solutions. CFA will engage leaders statewide to explore how these findings can inform strategic planning, smarter investments, and cross-sector collaboration.

All findings, methodology, and topic briefs are available at arizonafuture.org/UnlockPotential.