Finally! The City has announced a formal public engagement process about the Moda Center deal, and I'm excited to let you know about two upcoming ways to let your voices be heard. Please engage! We need your voices in this negotiation.
- You can take the city-wide survey HERE!
- Talk with your District 3 Councilors at one of our park pop-ups this Sunday, June 14.
- 12:00 to 1:30 pm in Laurelhurst Park in the playground area at SE 38th Ave and Stark St
- 3:00 to 4:30 pm at Mt Scott Park at the playground area at SE 72nd Ave and Reedway St, north of the tennis courts
I want to be clear: no decision has been finalized. I have been resolute in my stance for a more transparent process, and I will continue to use my platform to amplify your voices. Many of you have called, emailed, and left comments on my social media, raising questions about the process.
Specific concerns raised in recent community messages are:
- Use of PCEF funds: I share the concern that the Portland Clean Energy Fund was created with a clear voter-backed purpose, and any proposal to use those funds must be evaluated against that intent.
- Independent cost evaluation: I strongly support the need for an independent assessment of renovation costs. Decisions of this scale should not rely solely on estimates provided by parties with a financial stake in the outcome.
- Owner participation: It is reasonable to expect that private beneficiaries — especially ownership — contribute meaningfully to the cost of renovations, consistent with practices in other cities.
- Community benefits and labor standards: Any agreement should include enforceable community benefits, including strong labor standards, protections for workers, and tangible investments in surrounding neighborhoods.
- Long-term value for Portland: We must ensure that any deal reflects a fair return for the public, including appropriate lease terms, financial protections for the City, and benefits that directly impact everyday Portlanders.
Thank you for your engagement! These are NOT abstract concerns. I remain committed to approaching this proposal with the level of scrutiny it deserves. My Instagram account is a good source for content about my position, questions, and ideas for moving forward.
We've also just learned more about the timeline:
- June 13 & 14: Survey and Popup Listening Sessions
- July: Public testimony on PCEF & Prosper Portland funding for the arena
- July 22: Last date the City Council could refer a measure to the November ballot
- Aug 12: Council votes on “term sheet”
- Aug-Dec: City’s negotiating team determines final details
- Dec 17: City Council’s final vote
Your voices matter. I hope you complete the survey and come to the pop ups if possible. Hearing from the community helps shape my approach, and I genuinely appreciate your time and care!
Sincerely,
Team Teacher Tiffany / Councilor Koyama Lane
P.S. If you are on my newsletter list but don't live in D3, here are the other pop-ups:
- District 1 - Sat, June 13: Lents Park 12-1:30pm & Parklane Park 3:00-4:30pm
- District 2 - Sat, June 13: McCoy Park 12-1:30pm & Irving Park 3:00-4:30pm
- District 4 - Sun, June 14: Sellwood Park 12-1:30pm & Tom McCall 3:00-4:30pm
