Multnomah County Commissioners Approve $101 Million Contribution to Moda Center Renovation Plan

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to approve a term-sheet resolution that would provide up to $101 million toward the proposed renovation of the Moda Center, the arena used by the Portland Trail Blazers. The measure passed 4-1 at a special meeting, though commissioners have not yet detailed how the contribution will be structured.

Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said the vote was intended to signal to the NBA and its board of governors that the county is committed to keeping the team in Portland. The county’s share would be part of an overall $600 million public funding package the Trail Blazers are seeking. The state has already approved $365 million, contingent on the county and the City of Portland each providing their portions.

With the county’s commitment now on the table, the project awaits a $120 million contribution from the city. The Portland City Council is scheduled to vote on its term sheet on Aug. 12. Both the county and city votes are preliminary steps that will lead to formal negotiations among the county, the city and the Trail Blazers before a final decision is expected in December.

A local news outlet reported that the county’s term sheet includes up to $101 million for renovations and ongoing capital expenses, an offset payment to cover county debt, and a seat on the joint authority overseeing the project, though not all provisions are guaranteed to appear in the final agreement.