In 1919 the Tucson Chamber of Commerce aviation committee established the nation's first municipally owned airfield at the current site of the Tucson Rodeo Grounds. The rapid increase in aviation activities meant a move in 1927 to what is now Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The combination of civil and military operations worked well until the early 1940s when military requirements began to require the relocation of civil aviation activities.

The City purchased land at the current TIA site in 1941 and the original airport facilities were built. By 1947 it had become apparent that the the City did not have the resources to support the operation of the airport. The Chamber of Commerce found a solution in 1948 when it brought together 15 municipal leaders, led by Monte Mansfield, as incorporators of a nonprofit corporation called the Tucson Airport Authority.

Twenty-five businessmen each put up a $1,000 bond for initial capital. Within three years those bonds were all redeemed.

It is not only the broad representation found in the Authority that makes it unique. Although the TAA leases land from the City and is located in the County, it is an independent, nonpolitical entity. Since its beginning it has been run as a business, utilizing the fiscal acumen of its membership to find innovative ways to fund airport operations.

Committed community volunteers take the responsibility of managing the airport seriously. In 1956 the Authority pioneered the sale of airport revenue bonds for capital improvements. An Airport Use Agreement between TAA and the airlines, completed in 1977, reflects the attitude that an airport and its tenants must share the responsibility and benefits on an airport operation. For the community this means no local tax dollars are used to operate the airport.

In addition to TIA, the Authority is also responsible for managing general aviation reliever Ryan Airfield, located 12 miles west of TIA.

The Authority continues today with 115 members who represent a full range of civic, business and professional interests.