Multnomah County commissioners call for pause on county funding for Moda Center renovation

By Mason Reed — 18 July 2026 — 4 min read

County Commissioners Express Concerns

Multnomah County Commissioners Julia Brim-Edwards and Meghan Moyer have voiced frustrations regarding the proposed renovation of the Moda Center. The commissioners sent a letter to County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, highlighting a lack of information provided to them ahead of a potential vote on over $100 million in county funding. Brim-Edwards stated that the total commitment from the county could reach nearly $140 million after debt service, and she has called for a pause on any immediate vote.

Commissioner Moyer emphasized the need for a contribution proportionate to the county’s role, noting that the county is a smaller government entity compared to the state and city. She expressed concerns that funds allocated to the Moda Center could divert resources from vital services such as Sun Schools or mental health programs. The county chair’s proposal includes approximately $88 million for renovation work, intended to be covered by business taxes from sales, lodging, and rental cars.

Brim-Edwards also pointed out that the commitment, with debt service, would extend to 2049, representing a long-term obligation for the county. She believes that more public meetings are necessary to discuss the proposal thoroughly before the end-of-year deadline set by the team and the city. Her aim is to gather sufficient information to support the deal, recalling memories of the team’s 1977 championship parade and her season tickets for the Portland Fire.

The commissioner has requested an updated economic impact statement for the arena, detailed construction plans, cost estimates for the renovation, and information regarding property tax abatements in the area. These requests, she noted, have not yet been fulfilled. Vega Pederson, in a statement, affirmed the board’s support for the county’s proposed investment as part of an agreement with state and city partners, emphasizing community benefits, job creation, and the revitalization of the Rose Quarter and Albina neighborhoods.

Information Sharing Disputes and City’s Term Sheet

The city has previously indicated that the Trail Blazers are withholding crucial project information, complicating the evaluation process for elected officials. City administrator Raymond Lee stated that the absence of essential details from the Blazers is slowing progress. However, the team disputed this assertion, with spokesperson Charles Boyle stating that there have been multiple discussions and walkthroughs with city officials, and that the city possesses more information than state leaders had during the legislative session.

The city recently sent a draft term sheet to the Trail Blazers, which the team confirmed receiving and is currently reviewing. This draft term sheet outlines several key requirements, including a binding 20-year non-relocation commitment from the team. It also specifies requirements for labor-peace agreements to ensure a stable workforce and financial protections with clear caps on public funding, limits on eligible expenses, and safeguards against cost overruns for the city, state, and county.

Additionally, the draft term sheet includes a $3 million annual property tax offset payment from Rip City Management, which would escalate over time, with proceeds shared among the city, county, and Portland Public Schools. Other requirements cover community event access, local hiring, sustainability standards, and partnerships with Albina-based organizations. The city administration stated that sending this draft was an effort to bring the Blazers to the negotiating table, as the team had previously indicated it was waiting for a term sheet to begin negotiations.

The delivery of this draft term sheet occurred weeks before a scheduled vote on August 12 to finalize a term sheet for negotiations. This timing has caused some councilors to express dissatisfaction, particularly Councilor Mitch Green, who clarified that the document received by the Blazers was not a final term sheet from the council, but rather a draft that had been discussed in an executive session. He criticized the portrayal of the draft as a final document from the council.

Community and Fan Perspectives

The potential renovation and the future of the Trail Blazers in Portland have generated significant community interest. A coalition of local restaurants, small businesses, and community organizations, known as “We Are Rip City,” has launched a campaign to support the modernization of the Moda Center and secure the team’s future in Oregon. Jim Etzel, co-chair of We Are Rip City, expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting that a term sheet is essential for initiating negotiations.

Etzel emphasized that the deal extends beyond politics, impacting the city’s economic future, vibrancy, and vitality. Fans like Nate Reiman believe that keeping the Blazers in Portland is worthwhile for the city, as it helps unite the community. Another fan, Mark Elayass, expressed optimism about the team’s potential for an NBA championship, citing recent player signings and the team’s continuous improvement. The city is expected to vote on the team’s future and the renovations in August.

The county chair’s proposal includes roughly $88 million for renovation work, covered by business taxes generated by sales, lodging, and rental car taxes.

Source: katu.com

Mason Reed

Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.