County Votes to Approve $100M for Blazers Arena Upgrades
County leaders vote to support renovations, but a funding source is unclear.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners has approved a framework for up to $101.6 million in public funding to renovate Portland's Moda Center, home of the Trail Blazers. The $100 million allocation represents an increase from the original $88 million proposal made in the spring. This move is not a final funding package, but rather a step to initiate formal discussions with the basketball team and the city of Portland.
County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the seriousness of their intent to retain the Blazers in Portland, expressing a similar plea at the Portland city council earlier that day. The funding debate has been tense, with Dundon, the Blazers' owner, stating his reluctance to contribute to the renovations. The state legislature has already allocated $365 million towards the project.
The funding's source within Multnomah County remains unclear, with potential options including rental car taxes and taxes from the sale of the Blazers to Dundon. However, commissioner Meghan Moyer questioned the commitment's seriousness due to the unresolved funding agreement. The city of Portland is expected to vote on a non-binding term sheet for its arena funding in the upcoming week, but finalizing a deal this fall is anticipated to be challenging.
Written by urgent.news from Front Office Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
