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What's the true cost of the Moda deal? Join our August 5th webinar with sports economists and Councilor Angelita Morillo
August 5th from 5 – 6 pm PST
Virtual Webinar, closed captioning provided
The Moda Center remains top of mind as we approach the City's August 12th vote on a term sheet, but how can we reach a fair deal for Portlanders? What are the potential costs and benefits of publicly financing stadiums? How does the draft Moda terms compare to deals in other cities?
This is why I'm excited to announce an incredibly timely conversation on the Moda Center renovation with two people who know more about sports stadium deals than most: sports economists, editors, and professors of economics, J.C. Bradbury (Kennesaw State University) and Victor Matheson (Holy Cross). I'll also be joined by esteemed co-host Portland City Councilor Angelita Morillo, so this will be a conversation you won't want to miss. Since the very beginning, we've been asking for a public process and thorough financial and economic data.
We'll dive into the history of public financing of sports venues, impacts of professional sports franchises on local economies, and what it means for public funds to be used for the Moda Center renovation.
City, County, Coffee Conversation with Commissioner Moyer
On Tuesday evening I organized an event with County Commissioner Meghan Moyer for a frank discussion on funding housing and mental health, the Moda Center, ICE invading our communities, and supporting small businesses. More than 20 Portlanders gathered at a local coffee shop in Goose Hollow, Bold Coffee and Books, which regularly hosts book clubs and speaker series alongside delicious sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee.
I'm grateful to have spent that hour with you all and to hear more about your priorities for our beloved City. Big thanks to Commissioner Moyer for joining me, Bold Coffee and Books to so graciously host us in their space, and the ASL interpreters that helped make this event accessible. I look forward to continuing to connect with you all at monthly constituent events around our District, so keep a look out for future opportunities.
If you'd like to stay up to date with Commissioner Moyer you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.
Vision Zero highlights from Committee of the Whole
Every life lost to traffic violence is one that we could have prevented. This is why in January of 2025 council unanimously recommitted to Vision Zero, a citywide effort to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on streets in Portland. Last week at the Committee of the Whole we received updates on Vision Zero, and here are some questions I'm bringing with me to the next discussion when we have more time to dig in.
First, it's not lost on me that West Burnside in my District is one of the high crash corridors in the city with some of the narrowest sidewalks proportional to vehicle volumes and speeds on this roadway. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has planned a repaving project that doesn't address some of the basic investments to address the threat of our neighbors being killed who walk, roll, or ride. Like my constituents, I want to hear more from the City Administrator and Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal about why we're proceeding this way on the paving project when we've recommitted as a Council to take Vision Zero seriously. It's also reasonable to ask for engineering justification and documentation that determined how PBOT moved forward, despite previously adopted modal plans that envision better outcomes here.
I'm also concerned that we're scrapping the same plans for bike lane enhancements on SW Alder Street. This feels all too familiar like the fight to keep the traffic diverters intact, and there seems to be a theme where there is a narrow set of feedback that is rooted in our plans that is designed to address pedestrian safety, then someone rolls this back, and that is not Vision Zero. These are pressing issues for our community, and so I invite further conversation on this.
Waymo and automated vehicles
During the Public Works Committee on Wednesday, we heard more about Portland's policy concepts for automated vehicles. I've been working with Councilor Tiffany Koyama-Lane for several months on drafting code changes for ride-for-hire companies or transportation network companies like Lyft and Uber and for autonomous vehicles like Waymo. Councilor Olivia Clark offered to tackle these code changes as a committee, but there may be some specific protections I want to bring forward to be more responsive to many of you who want to see us address these technologies more boldly.
My office will continue to listen and learn about Waymo through committees and conversations with the Portland Bureau of Transportation, community members, and transportation experts. We'll also need to advocate for protections through our state legislature and avoid any state preemption that limits our ability to protect our city, our workers, and our streets.
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The Brooklyn Park slide and young people's right to play
You might have seen a story from Willamette Week about the City Order[ing] Citizen-Run Youth Program to Discontinue Popular Waterslide. When the news broke, I was incredibly disappointed that a complaint from Portland Solutions jeopardized a 50-year-old tradition that is enjoyed by children and families in SE Portland. While it's not my district, this was one of those moments where during the many ongoing policy challenges that Portlanders experience that have no near-term solution, the City shouldn't be taking away joy like this. I immediately reached out to the Parks Director and my District 3 colleagues, and the decision has now been reversed. Kudos to the neighbors who organized themselves for a better outcome. I'm grateful that Parks was receptive to our feedback.
Opportunities to engage
Weigh in on the Zenith Energy to I Squared Capital franchise agreement transfer
In the Spring of 2025, I co-sponsored the resolution to investigate Zenith energy. Unfortunately, the results of that investigation were incredibly unsatisfactory as the report did not meet basic expectations and the requirements stated in the resolution.
Now, the Committee of the Whole is considering legislation to consent to a franchise transfer from Zenith Energy to I Squared Capital.
Given the history of Zenith energy, I will continue to push for transparency and terms that protect Portlanders. If you want to weigh in, there is still a chance to submit written testimony for Councilors to review before next week's Committee of the Whole meeting.
Portland is planting 8,500 trees – this is how you can participate
A greener and cooler Portland starts with you - apply for your free tree today. Whether you are a Portland renter, homeowner, business owner, or educator, we have free trees for you.
A Portland Parks team member will visit your property to evaluate the space and mark planting spots. They'll handle the planting the following winter and the watering for the next three years—free of charge. Tree planting is funded by the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF). PCEF funds are generated through a 1% surcharge on billion-dollar corporations (not your paychecks)! Community members and voters made this possible.
Free tool libraries
Did you know Portland has six free tool libraries? Whether you're tackling a home repair, starting a garden project, or trying a new DIY skill, you can borrow the tools you need at no cost.
Summer free for all is in full swing
Summer Free For All builds community through free, inclusive, and family-friendly activities that celebrate Portland's diverse cultures and local artists.
There are many chances to still enjoy a movie or concert across the city. On Friday, July 31st enjoy Story & Tune, an eclectic harmony, deeply rooted in traditional folk/Americana storytelling at Spring Garden Park in southwest.