Blazers Seek Public Backing for Moda Center Makeover

With new Blazers owner Tom Dundon taking charge, Portland is pushing to secure public funding for a $600 million Moda Center renovation after Oregon approved tax-diversion funds; the remaining cost would come from the city and Multnomah County. Lobbyists have taken officials to Charlotte to study publicly funded arena deals and have signaled that full public financing may be the only path, even as some councilors remain skeptical about diverting clean-energy funds and delivering clear city benefits. The proceedings appear politically charged, with warnings that officials could face political fallout if they oppose the deal.