 Hi Friends,
As you probably know, I’ve been extremely vocal about a fair, transparent, and accountable process for Portlanders regarding the Moda Center deal. I am concerned about not only the use of public funds, but about creating better processes and more ethical governance.
I love the Blazers and I want them to stay here in Portland. I also care a lot about having a transparent process — one where the public can clearly see what is being proposed, how decisions are being made, and what the long-term impacts will be before any commitments are finalized. I’m putting my energy into pushing for a more open, collaborative process that gives community a chance to give input.
I have been engaged with this process for months. This past February, I was the only councilor to decline signing a joint letter with the Mayor, which applauded the passage of a $365 million dollar state funding package. I am thrilled other councilors have since joined the effort to demand a better deal and process for Portlanders. I am currently working closely with Council President Jamie Dunphy to craft a more democratic path forward.
There are many precedents for public-private arena projects, and our elected officials must negotiate a long-term deal that benefits the community as much as it does the Blazers and other Moda Center users.
Many of you have written to me about this issue, raising important questions and concerns. I would like to invite you to join Edan Krolewica of Rip City Not Rip Off and me to discuss the negotiations, and how we can impact the process to demand a better deal from our local elected officials. We support a fair public-private investment in a Moda Center renovation and want the City leaders to negotiate a better deal for us.
The virtual webinar will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. this Wednesday, May 27, and you can RSVP here.
For more of my posts about the Moda Center deal, you can check out my Instagram page here.
Warmly,
Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane
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