(PORTLAND, OR.) — The Portland City Council convened a contentious work session on June 24 to discuss the city's role in the proposed Moda Center renovation.
“The Moda Center, also known as 'Oregon’s Arena,' is the state’s premier sports and entertainment venue. This major contributor to Oregon’s cultural and economic landscape attracts 1.5 million visitors a year and generates $600 million in annual economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs,” Portland.gov said.
Photo Credit: portland.gov
As of 2026, the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the State of Oregon are considering major renovations that would modernize the arena, increase economic gain, and ensure that it will remain a world‑class facility for the next several years.
The public engagement survey results, presented by Chief Financial Officer Laura Oppenheimer, showed a 'U-shaped' distribution of opinions, indicating strong polarization among Portlanders regarding the renovation and city's financial contribution.
Oppenheimer presented aggregated results from an online survey (18,000+ responses) and parks popup tours. District-level data revealed variations (e.g., D4 strong support, D3 'not important').
Top priorities for renovation outcomes were additional private dollars, living-wage jobs, local business support, and community benefits.
Ranked choices for renovation focused on structural/technology upgrades over high-end details. Community benefits priorities included neighborhood development, living wage jobs, unionization support, and addressing event impacts, with additional mentions of affordable housing, homelessness services, public schools, and transportation.
Photo Credit: YouTube
“Funding comfort was highest for spectator venues fund, lowest for bonding. Open-ended comments (27,000) grouped into themes: keeping the Blazers, responsibility for renovation, city spending priorities, use of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), and transparency/accountability (broad agreement),” OpGov.news reported.
Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane relayed constituent feedback mostly from District 3 (58%). She shared that many constituents felt the survey process was biased, 'pushing people in a certain direction,' and lacked sufficient explanatory information.
Her own survey of nearly 2,000 respondents found a vast majority favored funding only necessary renovations (accessibility, safety, standard maintenance) and not proceeding with a larger deal, even if it meant the Blazers leaving.
Council members expressed widespread frustration over the accelerated timeline for a decision on the Moda Center renovation, citing a lack of comprehensive financial data and comparative analyses from other cities.
Councilor Candace Avalos observed that Portlanders are not speaking with one voice, are divided on renovation, and are skeptical about committing significant public dollars. This implies a need to slow down and ensure public understanding of choices and options.
Photo Credit: YouTube
A strong commitment to keeping the Blazers in Portland for at least 30 years, with significant penalties for relocation, was a shared sentiment.
Several councilors explicitly rejected the idea of rushing a deal without comprehensive data and a fair return for taxpayers.
Here is a timeline going forward:
In late July, a first hearing and public testimony on a "Term Sheet," a non-binding preliminary document outlining the key economic and control terms of the proposed operator lease, will be heard. Council will then vote on a resolution approving the Term Sheet on Aug. 12.
If you would like to add to or comment on this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org.
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