Portland mayor lambasts critics of Moda Center deal as county questions investment

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Portland officials debate $600 million public renovation of Moda Center

   Mayor Keith Wilson is pursuing a deal to fund a major renovation of the city-owned Moda Center. The proposal aims to keep the Portland Trail Blazers in the city for another 20 years. Owner Tom Dundon continues to push for the public to cover the full cost.

   What's confirmed:

   • The City of Portland owns the Moda Center.
   • The proposed public renovation of the arena is around $600 million.
   • The Portland Trail Blazers are the primary tenants of the Moda Center.
   • Mayor Keith Wilson is working to secure a deal to keep the Blazers in Portland.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Tom Dundon may be looking to move the franchise to a new city.
   • The deal is intended to keep the Blazers in the arena for another 20 years.
   confidence 90%
2. 5d ago

   Portland Mayor and Officials Clash Over Moda Center Funding

   Mayor Keith Wilson is pushing for a fully publicly funded renovation of the city-owned Moda Center. Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon has rejected requests to contribute his own money, insisting taxpayers cover the entire makeover. Multnomah County is currently debating roughly $100M in funding while facing a four-year deficit.

   What's confirmed:

   • Mayor Keith Wilson supports a fully publicly funded renovation of the Moda Center.
   • Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon states taxpayers must cover the entire Moda Center makeover.
   • Multnomah County is debating roughly $100M in funding for the Moda Center.
   • The Moda Center is a publicly owned arena.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Protesters are denouncing the funding arrangement as a backroom deal.
   • Portland leaders anticipate protests over the renovation funding.
   • A political operator will assist the Portland City Council with negotiations.
   confidence 90%