Commissioners Express Concerns Over Funding Proposal
Multnomah County Commissioners Julia Brim-Edwards and Meghan Moyer have called for a pause on the county’s potential financial contribution to the proposed Moda Center renovation. The commissioners outlined their frustrations in a letter to County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, citing a lack of detailed information regarding the nearly $600 million publicly funded package. The county’s portion of this funding could exceed $100 million, potentially reaching around $140 million after debt service.
Commissioner Brim-Edwards emphasized that rushing a vote without adequate information is not advisable, stating that the county should not issue a “blank check.” She highlighted that the commitment could extend to 2049 with debt service, representing a long-term obligation for the county. Brim-Edwards also requested updated economic impact statements, detailed construction plans, cost estimates, and information on property tax abatements from the city, noting that these requests had not yet been fulfilled.
Commissioner Moyer echoed these concerns, suggesting that while the county could be a partner, its contribution should be appropriate for its role. She pointed out that the county’s annual budget is $4 billion, significantly smaller than the city’s or the state’s, and stressed that every dollar committed could otherwise fund vital services such as Sun Schools or mental health programs.
City and Team Disagree on Information Sharing
The commissioners’ call for a pause follows a period of tension between city officials and the Portland Trail Blazers regarding information sharing. City leaders previously indicated that the team was withholding essential project details, complicating the evaluation process for elected officials. Mayor Keith Wilson stated that design information and clarity on public investment are crucial for progress, and that the absence of these details was slowing negotiations.
Conversely, the Trail Blazers disputed this characterization. Charles Boyle, the team’s director of public affairs, asserted that the city possessed as much information as other stakeholders and that the team had been involved in multiple discussions, conceptual visions, and building walkthroughs with city officials. Boyle also mentioned that the team was awaiting a term sheet from the city to commence negotiations.
The city’s administration, in an effort to advance negotiations, sent a draft term sheet to the Trail Blazers. This document includes several key provisions: a binding 20-year non-relocation commitment from the team, requirements for labor-peace agreements, financial protections with clear caps on public funding, and a $3 million annual property tax offset payment from Rip City Management, which would escalate over time and be shared among the city, county, and Portland Public Schools. Additionally, the draft term sheet outlines requirements for community event access, local hiring, sustainability standards, and partnerships with Albina-based organizations.
Upcoming Discussions and Board Resolution
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson issued a statement acknowledging the board’s support for the proposed investment as part of an agreement with state and city partners. She noted that a resolution reflecting the board’s priorities and feedback would be presented next week. This resolution aims to establish terms and expectations for the county’s potential investment, emphasizing community benefits, job creation, and the revitalization of the Rose Quarter and Albina neighborhoods.
The delivery of the draft term sheet occurred days after city leaders submitted it to the Portland Trail Blazers. Councilor Mitch Green clarified that the document sent to the Blazers was a draft, not a final term sheet from the council, and that the council would consider, debate, amend, and adopt a resolution in due course. The ongoing discussions highlight the complexity of reaching a consensus on the Moda Center renovation funding.
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Source: katu.com
