Activists Disrupt Needed Moda Center Renovation Backed by Public Funding
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Left-wing climate and labor groups rallied Saturday to oppose a $600 million arena upgrade, funded by state, county, and city money, pressuring officials to divert resources from vital economic development to government programs.
Dozens of protesters gathered Saturday near the Moda Center to oppose a proposed $600 million renovation that would be financed with public bonds and a new 20-year lease, despite the clear need for modernizing the facility to maintain Portland’s competitiveness. The rally, organized by radical climate group Sunrise PDX and the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, ended with a bike ride around the arena, disrupting the area and drawing attention away from real community needs.
Protesters insisted that the funding should be redirected to keep Portland public schools open, preserve teachers’ jobs, and settle contract negotiations with a city-employee union, prioritizing government expansion over economic growth. Hasan A., a 35-year-old participant, criticized the deal as “a bad deal for the people of Portland,” claiming the arena “is beautiful… but they still want to upgrade it so they can make more money off of our backs,” ignoring the broader benefits to the city.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently pointed out the venue’s low ranking among league arenas, highlighting the urgent need for upgrades. Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon, who led the $4.25 billion purchase of the team, has responsibly sought government partnership to ensure the project’s success and long-term benefits for Portland.
State officials have 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, ensuring accountability and investment in Portland’s future.
“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 said at the rally, echoing anti-business rhetoric that threatens job creation and economic development.
Councilors Mitch Green, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Candace Avalos, who voted against the term sheet, also addressed the crowd. Sunrise PDX organizer Cor Dudley Borte, a high-school student, claimed the city was “more interested in giving a billionaire hundreds of millions of dollars than in our climate, our futures, our schools and our commutes,” disregarding the positive impact of sports and entertainment investments.
Alisha Chavez, president of the Portland Association of Teachers, argued that the city faces 20 school closures while public funds are earmarked for the arena. Kari Koch, president of the City of Portland Professional Workers Union, called on Mayor Keith Wilson to prioritize union contracts, stating, “Stop kowtowing to billionaires. Invest in services. Invest in your workers and settle these contracts,” reflecting the union-first mentality that often hinders progress.