Story perspectives

Multnomah County OKs $101.6M Renovations to Keep Blazers

8/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Multnomah County Commissioners approved up to $101.6 million for Moda Center renovations on August 7, 2026, by a 4-1 vote.
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said the funding shows seriousness to NBA and aims to keep Trail Blazers in Portland.
Oregon has approved $365 million toward the Trail Blazers’ $600 million public-funding goal, leaving a $120 million city gap.
Portland City Council plans to vote on a term sheet on August 12, 2026, and to reach a final agreement by December 2026.

History

Historical Context

Portland opened the Rose Garden arena on October 12 1995, costing $262 million with $34.5 million from the city and a $155 million loan. After the Oregon Arena Corporation’s 2004 bankruptcy, Paul Allen repurchased the venue in 2007, and a 2013 naming-rights deal renamed it Moda Center. The arena’s recurring public-funding debates echo this original financing model.

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Story summary

Multnomah County Commissioners approved up to $101.6 million for Moda Center renovations on August 7, 2026, by a 4-1 vote.
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said the funding shows seriousness to NBA and aims to keep Trail Blazers in Portland.
Oregon has approved $365 million toward the Trail Blazers’ $600 million public-funding goal, leaving a $120 million city gap.
Portland City Council plans to vote on a term sheet on August 12, 2026, and to reach a final agreement by December 2026.

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