Portland Activists Condemn Corporate Welfare for Moda Center Renovation
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Progressive climate and labor groups rallied Saturday to denounce a $600 million arena upgrade funded by taxpayers, demanding officials invest in public education and essential services instead of subsidizing billionaire profits.
Dozens of passionate demonstrators assembled Saturday near the Moda Center to resist a proposed $600 million renovation, which would be financed with public bonds and a new 20-year lease—yet another example of corporate welfare for the ultra-wealthy. The rally, spearheaded by climate justice group Sunrise PDX and the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, concluded with a symbolic bike ride around the arena, highlighting the community’s commitment to sustainable transit and public good.
Protesters forcefully argued that these massive funds should be redirected to keep Portland public schools open, protect teachers’ livelihoods, and resolve outstanding contract negotiations with city workers—priorities that actually serve the people. Hasan A., a 35-year-old participant, called the deal “a bad deal for the people of Portland,” and pointed out that the arena “is beautiful… but they still want to upgrade it so they can make more money off of our backs.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s recent comments about the venue’s low ranking among league arenas were cited by the billionaire class to justify this handout, with Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon—who led a $4.25 billion purchase of the team—pressuring government for public backing instead of using his own vast fortune.
State officials have outrageously pledged $365 million in bonds, Multnomah County up to $101.6 million, and the Portland City Council approved a term sheet for $120 million plus $275 million in maintenance over two decades. The state’s commitment is tied to a December deadline and a new lease agreement, further entrenching public resources in private profit schemes.
“We are now standing at the precipice of making a multi-million deal with your taxpayer dollars for a billionaire who can very easily afford to do this on his own,” City Councilor Angelita Morillo declared at the rally, exposing the injustice at play.
Councilors Mitch Green, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Candace Avalos, who bravely voted against the term sheet, also addressed the crowd. Sunrise PDX organizer Cor Dudley Borte, a high-school student, condemned the city’s priorities: “more interested in giving a billionaire hundreds of millions of dollars than in our climate, our futures, our schools and our commutes.”
Alisha Chavez, president of the Portland Association of Teachers, highlighted the city’s plan to close 20 schools while funneling public money to the arena. Kari Koch, president of the City of Portland Professional Workers Union, demanded Mayor Keith Wilson stop bowing to billionaire interests: “Stop kowtowing to billionaires. Invest in services. Invest in your workers and settle these contracts.”