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(He/Him) councilor.dunphy@portlandoregon.gov

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A Message from Council President Dunphy:

Here’s Where I Stand on the Moda Center:

There has been a lot of noise about the future of the Moda Center. Accusations of back room deals with out-of-state billionaires. Ambiguous threats of losing a sports franchise that is deeply ingrained in our social identity, even if you don’t like sports. Political infighting. And a ton of different numbers floating around.

I wish the previous City Council didn't buy the arena. They played right into the hands of the former owner who got more money out of the sale by putting the public on the hook for renovations. It was always gonna be a bad deal. And now we have to deal with it.

I want a deal. However, we need that deal to have a clear return on investment for Portland, create good jobs and provide community benefits. It should be market tested, benchmarked, reviewed and protected. This can’t be a handout to billionaires.

When the City of Portland acquired the Moda Center in 2024, they did a condition assessment to figure out how the stadium was holding up. Back then they determined that it would cost about $400-$500 million just to keep the stadium running in its current outdated condition. It is, admittedly, the most outdated arena in the entire NBA. Beyond sports, it’s outdated to the point where major concerts can’t come to Portland because we can’t support their lighting or staging rigs.

The Blazers have been using the $600 million figure in their ask for a modernized stadium of their dreams. I want a modern stadium that supports major entertainment as well as sports. This stadium can and should be a market driver for our city. 

Here’s some numbers: The State of Oregon pledged $365 million if Portland and Multnomah County put in public dollars. Multnomah County pledged $88 million. Prosper Portland is contributing at least $5 million. The City is supposed to be on the hook for $120 million both in up front money as well as untold on-going maintenance costs. 

We’ll collect about $50 million in business license taxes when the sale of the Blazers goes through. It makes sense to me to dedicate those funds to renovating the stadium. Under the current status quo, the City owns the parking garages and gets their full income, and we get a percentage fee on every ticket sold in the Moda Center. It makes sense to me to dedicate some (but not all) of that money to the on-going maintenance. 

Under the current setup we are losing on property taxes, lack of rent, and an operations deal that doesn’t make the most of the space year round. We need to increase our revenue to be able to pay-back and then-some the city’s investments over time. 

 Upfront, we have a theoretical gap of about $75 million.There are a couple questions: is that $75 million gap real, and how do we pay for it?

The Mayor proposed using the Portland Clean Energy Fund for it. There’s an argument to be made about improved power generation and lighting and heating and cooling, getting rid of the diesel generators and such. If we can line item climate improvements, and if the PCEF committee agrees that this is a priority, and are willing to prioritize it over something else they’ve already obligated dollars to, I’ll support it. If they don’t, we’ll have to find another way to pay for it.

I’ll be totally honest with you, I hate that we are talking about the Moda Center right now. I agree with every single person who has said that we have bigger problems to solve at this exact moment, and asked why must we also obligate ourselves to renovating a stadium over any other crumbling public asset?

. But we need to fight for the Blazers. I've only been to one Blazers game in my life. I'm not a super fan by any stretch. But we cannot lose the Blazers. If only for practical reasons. 

First, the arena is ours, and it's undeniably in need of modernization. We cannot accommodate modern concerts, or even some of the fancier Cirque du Soleil tours unless we update the arena. 

Second, knowing we were always on the hook for the money, the State and County are coming in and helping us at basically a 3:1 match. If we lose the Blazers, those matching dollars go away. 

Third, if we lose the Blazers, we still own the arena. But the Rose Quarter will become a public nuisance due to inactivation. Portland is on the verge of our next great chapter. We have to push hard on using our public spaces, and cannot take steps backwards.

The Mayor's recent message on the future of the Moda Center was unhelpful. We’ve seen a lack of community engagement from the process and are stepping in late as a council, to fill a major gap in public transparency and discourse that this moment requires. 

The new owner of the Blazers, the Texas loan shark billionaire Tom Dundon, couldn't be making a worse impression on Portland if he was actively trying. I'm not convinced he isn't actually trying. His presentation at the Portland Metro Chamber’s event was deeply uninspiring at best and deeply concerning at worst. Regardless, this isn't about him.

It is about the future of this city. And I love this city, and I think the future is bright.

I won't take a bad deal. I won't cut a blank check to a billionaire. I won't damn future generations with bad investments. I also won't damn Portland to a doom loop. I love this city. So let's get the right deal to renovate this stadium, activate it as many nights per year as possible, and get Portland back on her feet.

Policy Preview:

Code Alignment Project 2 Resolution

Back in March, I gave a sneak peek preview on part 2 of the Code Alignment Project (CAP), which is now out of committee and headed to Council on Thursday July 16th for deliberation and debate. You can find the whole text here, but the gist is that CAP 2.0 will create a dedicated Code Team to resolve code challenges, address their root causes, and drive continuous improvement over time.

CAP 2.0 asks the bureaus to dig into some of the more complicated details using data and information from past permit holders, identifying and fixing the biggest and most expensive delays. Right now, codes are written by multiple bureaus without enterprise-wide coordination, creating a confusing experience for developers, contractors and homeowners trying to navigate our system. We need to change the fact that codes are written and implemented by multiple bureaus, leading to a shambolic experience for developers, contractors and homeowners trying to navigate our system. We need to clarify who is in charge of our permitting and create a single code making authority that centralizes our permitting system for our constituents. 

The facts of the matter are that it should be easier, faster, and cheaper to build in Portland. We don’t need to have the fastest, cheapest, or most efficient permitting system in the country. But we need to AT LEAST be as good as our neighbors in Gresham, Milwaukie, Beaverton, or Hillsboro. Our neighbors have faster permitting systems, and none of them have sacrificed the integrity or safety of their buildings by making their system more efficient. In fact, I’d argue a lot of our neighbors may have safer buildings because of the improved permitting system and lack of bureaucratic bottlenecks and Citywide confusion.

Tackling code conflicts and permitting processes is tedious, unglamorous work, but it's the meat-and-potatoes work a City has to get right. I'm proud to lead it. It is no longer acceptable for the City to point fingers at a different department for delays or decisions. Once CAP 2.0 passes, the City Administrator will be required to report to Council at least once per quarter on the progress of CAP 2 improvements, and any additional code change packages will be brought forward for Council consideration. Despite the Council Presidency diminishing my capacity for policy work, CAP 2.0 is a priority that I genuinely believe will lead to a better permitting system that means more affordable homes, more commercial employment opportunities, more efficient timelines, and continued protections for life and safety.

Driver’s Resource Center

One of the best things about Portland is our transportation system, and an ongoing priority in this system is ensuring it works fairly and predictably for the people who keep it moving everyday. This includes the drivers we rely on, especially independent contractors who lack representation, such as Uber and Lyft drivers, often referred to as Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers.

An ordinance sponsored by myself and Councilors Pirtle-Guiney, Novick, and Morillo seeks to make some important updates to our Vehicles and Traffic Code to strengthen both accountability and support within Portland’s for-hire transportation system.

First, it clarifies how existing ride fees apply. Any rideshare trips within Portland have measurable impacts on our streets, curbs, infrastructure and traffic. This amendment makes clear that trips that originate or end in Portland are appropriately included in the fee structure that helps maintain and manage that system.

Second and more importantly, this ordinance establishes a Drivers’ Resource Center within our for-hire transportation system. TNC drivers are independent contractors, and many have shared challenges navigating deactivations, appeals processes, and regulatory requirements without clear or timely information. Too often, that process can feel opaque or inconsistent, especially for drivers facing language barriers or limited access to support services.

The Driver’s Resource Center is designed to change that.

It will provide rideshare drivers with a clear point of contact for appealing eligible deactivations, accessing translation services and obtaining necessary documentation for operating as for-hire drivers within the City. In addition, the Driver’s Resource Center will provide information, education, training, and other services to drivers within the City of Portland.

This ordinance also directs the City Administrator to establish appropriate administrative rules that define how the center operates, how driver requests are managed, and how for-hire companies are expected to engage when issues arise. This will lead to better communication, clearer expectation, and overall better outcomes.

At its core, this is about making sure our for-hire transportation system is not only effective, but accessible. When drivers can understand decisions that affect their livelihood and can access support in their own language, the entire system functions better for workers, for companies, and for the public we serve. 

If you’re interested in a deep dive, you can find the full text of the ordinance here.

Dunphy in the Community:

Summer Nights

On budget adoption night, while I was at City Hall helping the FY 26-27 budget cross the finish line, my staff had the pleasure of representing Team Dunphy at Historic Parkrose's 5th Annual Summer Nights Street Festival and Market on NE 104th and Sandy.

The event drew a record crowd from across District 1 and beyond, with local musicians, artists, small businesses, and food vendors filling the street with energy and community spirit. Events like this are a reminder of what makes Parkrose so special and why investing in our neighborhood business districts matters.

Next year, I look forward to electing a new Council President so I can attend and enjoy some of those fry bread tacos everyone keeps telling me I missed!

Portland Businesses for All

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend the Portland Businesses for All Community Mixer at Parkrose Coffee, and I left feeling energized by the conversations I had with so many local small business owners.

As a former small business owner myself, I know firsthand the challenges of running a business, but I also know how important it is to have a strong network of people who are invested in their community. It was encouraging to hear from business owners who are thinking not only about the success of their own businesses, but also about how we can build neighborhoods where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

I'm grateful to the organizers for bringing together such a thoughtful group of community leaders and entrepreneurs. East Portland has an incredible small business community, and it's always a pleasure to spend time listening, learning, and finding ways we can continue supporting the people who invest in our neighborhoods every day.

Parkrose Grocery

After many years of serving the Parkrose community, the doors to the Parkrose Grocery Outlet officially closed on Thursday afternoon.

On Wednesday, my office had the opportunity to spend some time with owner Don McKeever as he prepared to close the store. We pitched in where we could by taking measurements and helping with some of the final tasks as we reflected on the important role this business has played in the neighborhood over the years. It was a reminder of how deeply connected our local businesses are to the communities they serve.

Walking through an empty grocery store is an unusual experience. While it marks the end of one chapter, it also creates space to imagine what comes next. I'm optimistic about the future of this site, and I can say that Parkrose won't be without a grocery store for long. I'm looking forward to sharing more as plans continue to come together in the months ahead.

In the meantime, I'd like to thank Don for his years of service to Parkrose and wish him all the best in his next chapter.

D1's First Ever Street Plaza!

After months of planning and collaboration, I'm excited to share that the Historic Parkrose Street Plaza is officially under construction and beginning to take shape!

This project is the result of an incredible partnership between the PBOT Street Plaza Program and Historic Parkrose, and I'm deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life. From the early planning stages to construction, this has truly been a community effort.

The PBOT Street Plaza Program transforms portions of our streets into vibrant public spaces where neighbors can gather and build community. The Parkrose Plaza features seating and street art, painted by the Pathfinders network, and will also have a teetherball installation soon! With regular neighborhood event programming, plazas help transform underutilized street space into community gathering spaces where people create new memories and enjoy surrounding businesses.

Investments like this are exactly what make our neighborhoods stronger. The Historic Parkrose Street Plaza will create a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike while supporting our local businesses and showcasing everything that makes Parkrose special. Next time you’re in Parkrose, be sure to grab a sandwich at Sandy-O’s and walk across the street to enjoy it in our new plaza!

To learn more about the Historic Parkrose Street Plaza and stay up to date on upcoming events and programming, click here and stay tuned for a calendar of events. I can't wait to see this space come alive with the community!

Opportunities of the Month:

Councilor’s “What if” Hike at Rocky Butte

Rocky Butte is an extinct volcano and one of East Portland's most recognizable natural landmarks. While many Portlanders recognize its iconic views, much of the nearly 90 acres on and around the butte remain difficult to access and full of untapped potential. The question we will explore on the ground is “what if”—what if these 90 acres were publicly accessible? What if the forest was maintained by and for the public? What if Portlanders could climb, hike, and bike here? 

I hope you'll join me, Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, Councilors Tiffany Koyama Lane and Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Friends of Rocky Butte, and a host of community partners on July 24th for a conversation about how we can make this remarkable landscape more publicly accessible while ensuring it is sustainably maintained for future generations.

The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. at The Grotto, where we'll hear opening remarks before heading out on a guided "what-if" hike. Together, we'll imagine future trails, expanded park opportunities, improved access to green space, and new ways to activate this incredible community asset. The hike is approximately one mile and is designed to be accessible and spark ideas about what Rocky Butte could become.

After the hike, we'll return to The Grotto for a community discussion with elected officials, where participants will have the opportunity to share their ideas and help shape the future of Rocky Butte. Light refreshments will be provided.

I hope you'll join us as we explore the history, possibilities, and future of one of East Portland's most treasured natural spaces.

Reserve your spot by registering here!

Portland Pride Summer @ City Hall

Please join us for a Portland Pride celebration at City Hall on July 15 from 5:00PM-6:00PM before the evening Council meeting. We will have music, performances, and more–including a special appearance by Molly Bubbles from Bubble Club–ahead of a reading of the Portland Pride Summer Proclamation during a pre-gavel celebration. Come enjoy a whimsical celebration of all things Pride!

Resources for Homeowners below 50% AMI

Funding is available to support eligible very low-income homeowners needing full roof replacements, and furnace/heat pump installations. Partial roof repairs and HVAC repairs/maintenance are not applicable to the program, and repairs are provided at no cost to homeowners.

Homeowners may be eligible if they meet the following criteria:

• Own and live in the home where the work would be completed.
• The home is located in Clackamas, Multnomah, or Washington County.
• The homeowner is below 50% Area Median Income (AMI).
• The homeowner is age 62+ or disabled.
• The homeowner has owned and lived in the home for at least four years.
• The mortgage is current or paid off.
• Assets below $40,000.
• The home is not in foreclosure, default, or subject to lien enforcement.
• The homeowner has active homeowners insurance.
• The needed repairs are complete roof replacements and HVAC installations.
• The homeowner is financially unable to complete the repairs independently.
• The homeowner intends to remain in the home and age in place.

This funding is focused on very low-income, retired and disabled homeowners living on small, fixed incomes with a priority placed on actively leaking roofs.

Funding is intended for owner-occupied, "stick-built" homes. Some property types may require additional review:

• Manufactured homes may be considered if permanently affixed to a foundation.
• Condominiums are not a strong fit.
• Mobile homes are not eligible.
• Rental properties and duplexes are not eligible.

Homeowners should be prepared for a detailed application and documentation process. This includes:

• Income verification documents.
• Homeownership and occupancy documentation.
• Mortgage, insurance, or property-related documentation, if required.
• Review and signing of required program paperwork.

Because this funding has detailed eligibility and documentation requirements, homeowners should be ready to provide requested documents and complete required signatures in a timely manner.

Application is available online here.