The future of Moda is our community’s decision

Hey Portland,

Let's talk about the Moda Center. Because depending on who you ask, this is either an once-in-a-generation investment in a major public asset, or it's a sweetheart deal for a billionaire.

And the truth is, we're still in the middle of figuring that out.

I've been hearing from people all over the city. Some people think investing in the Moda Center is important for Portland's future. Others want to know why we're even talking about investing public dollars when there are so many other needs in our community.

Those are fair questions.

One thing that's important to understand is that the City owns the Moda Center. So, while a lot of the conversation has focused on the Trail Blazers, we're also talking about the future of a public asset and what responsibility we have as stewards of it.

Before any deal moves forward, I want to hear directly from you.

What would make a deal worth it? What community benefits would you expect? What protections should taxpayers have? What should private partners contribute in return for public investment?

Candace Call to Action: Take the survey and tell us what your priorities are for any proposed Moda renovation! Learn more about the Moda renovations and other pop-up events here.

This Saturday, June 13, we're hosting two pop-up conversations in East Portland to talk about the Moda Center:

Lents Park

Saturday, June 13, 12-1:30 p.m.

Parklane Park

Saturday, June 13, 3-4:30 p.m.

Come by, ask questions, share your thoughts, and help shape this conversation moving forward. Because if public dollars are involved, the public should have a voice.

New Emergency Rent Assistance Available This Summer

This spring, I led the Keep Portland Housed package with Councilors Green, Morillo, and Dunphy to help keep community members in the homes they already have and to create more of the permanently affordable housing that we need. Part of Keep Portland Housed put $9 million toward rent assistance. Thanks to our community’s advocacy, some of that rent assistance is NOW AVAILABLE.

Now through June 30, 2026, you can access eviction prevention through the Bienestar de la Familia program by contacting 211info and asking for emergency rent assistance to prevent eviction.

Beginning in July, additional emergency rent assistance funded by the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and the State will also be available through additional community-based providers.

If you are facing eviction after July 1, you can contact 211info to be connected with support for rent assistance or legal service providers.

To be eligible for the program, you must:

1. Be a resident of the City of Portland.
2. Have a household income at or below 65% of Area Median Income (AMI). (Income is based on a snapshot of current income at the time of application, and includes the current gross income of all household members, or the household's total income for the full calendar year before intake.)
3. Have an eviction notice.

Candace Call to Action: Call 211 or email help@211info.org to be referred for emergency rent assistance. Eligibility requirements apply. Visit Multnomah County’s website to learn more.

Extreme heat in the forecast

It’s going to be a hot one starting this weekend: Starting Saturday, forecasters say that temperatures could hit the mid-90s – on Monday, it could even reach 100 degrees.

Staying Cool

• During heat emergencies, the City and County open cooling centers throughout Portland. Find current locations and hours here or call 211.
• You can also find a map of cooling spaces in the Portland area here, which is regularly updated by Multnomah County.
• More information and resources about how to stay safe during extreme heat events can be found at Portland.gov/heat.

Don’t have an AC or heat pump that cools? People in Portland can call 311 to check your eligibility for a free air conditioning unit by June 30 and check with your utility to learn about assistance with energy bills.  Learn more about how PCEF is cooling Portland here.

Free Shuttle to Forest Park and Washington Park!

Forest Park and Washington Park are some of our City’s greatest treasures, but they can be tough to get to from our part of town – especially if you don’t have a car or depend on transit. 

That’s why I’m so excited that starting June 12, Portland Parks & Recreation is launching a FREE shuttle connecting East, North, and Northeast Portland neighborhoods to Forest Park and Washington Park. 

The East Line starts at the East Portland Community Center with stops at the Gateway Transit Center and Lower Macleay trailhead in Forest Park.

From there, you can transfer to the Express Park Loop and hit up the Upper Macleay trailhead, Pittock Mansion and the Oregon Zoo TriMet Plaza.

When: Every Friday & Saturday from June 12 – August 22

Where: Stops in East, North, and Northeast Portland

• Hop on, hop off.
• No reservation or ticket needed.
• ADA accessible
• Free activities like guided hikes (registration may be needed)
• Multiple languages served

Learn more about the shuttle schedule, routes, and activities here.

In solidarity,

Candace Avalos