Newsletter: The Mayor Would Like Your Opinion on the Moda Center Deal

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Dear Neighbors,

Great news! The Mayor will be hosting a series of public "park pop-up sessions" to let Portlanders weigh in on the Moda Center renovation.

The sessions will be taking place in parks across Portland this weekend, and there's also a new website and an online survey where you can share your thoughts.

These are welcome steps in the right direction, and I applaud that the public will now get a chance to voice their opinions on this hot-button issue and ask questions about the information coming your way.

While it is my firm belief that this process should have begun with public input, rather than ask for it only after months of secret meetings, a public relations tour led by the governor, an NDA signed by city officials, and months of negotiating against the City's interest both in public and behind closed doors, here we are.

It is my sincere hope that Portlanders take this opportunity to engage with elected leaders and let us know where you stand. This is your chance to let us know whether or not you think renovating the Moda Center is a good use of public money, whether or not you agree with the Mayor that we should redirect Portland Clean Energy Fund dollars to fund the renovation, or whether you'd rather see public money go to police, firefighters, parks, or homeless services instead.

According to the City's own study, many of the upgrades being asked for, like premium suites, clubs, new bars and new retail upgrades, will generate more profit for the Trail Blazers and will make it even more expensive to attend a game.

Personally, I'm repulsed by the idea of public dollars going towards lining the pockets of billionaires. If anything, I'd like to see us take steps to make games more affordable to regular Portlanders. But I know not everyone agrees, which is why I continue to support referring this issue to the voters. I'm not comfortable with the Council deciding whether to put the public on the hook for decades of debt repayment that simply don't pencil out in the city's favor. I think we should let Blazers owner Tom Dundon and other proponents of this deal convince the public that this is a good deal.

For a deeper dive into the numbers, I encourage you to visit ripcitynotripoff.com, a website created by a Trail Blazers fan who wants a deal that is fair to taxpayers. I have found the arguments there hard to ignore.

See you at the pop-ups.

In solidarity,
Councilor Mitch Green

District 4 Park Pop-Up Events for Moda Center Input

Sunday, June 14, 12 - 1:30 p.m.

Sellwood Park playground area along SE 7th Ave. between SE Bidwell St. & Lexington St.

Sunday, June 14, 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park (Salmon Street Springs water fountain) at 1000 SW Naito Pkwy.

Get the full list of pop-up events.