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Direct the City Administrator to advance a process to identify a development partner for City-owned properties adjacent to the Moda Center
WHEREAS, the City owns ten parcels in the Rose Quarter in District 2, around Moda Center and the Veterans Memorial Coliseum (VMC) including a number of parcels with redevelopment potential; and
WHEREAS, development procedures for City-owned parcels are addressed in the current lease agreement that is set to expire on October 11, 2030; and
WHEREAS, the City is currently considering terms for a new long-term lease with the Blazers, which is anticipated to be finalized by December 31, 2026; and
WHEREAS, development adjacent to Moda Center has the opportunity to align with other related efforts in the broader Lower Albina area, including the Oregon Department of Transportation's I-5 Rose Quarter Transportation Corridor, Broadway/Weidler Main Street Improvements, Portland Public Schools Prophet Education Center Site redevelopment by Albina Vision Trust, and the Reconnecting Albina Planning Project; and
WHEREAS, since 2012, the Portland City Council adopted a number of foundational plans and guiding policies—including the Portland Plan, the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, the Central City 2035 Plan, and the N/NE Quadrant Plan—that support the establishment of a reconnected, mixed-use residential neighborhood in the Lower Albina area and promote inclusive economic development with emphasis on elevating communities that have been disproportionately burdened, and were sometimes intentionally harmed by past governmental actions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Portland is supporting a variety of complementary planning efforts and projects in Lower Albina in an effort to advance multiple City objectives for the area that include fostering wealth-building and inclusive economic development, vibrant regional entertainment venues, and multimodal regional and local transportation in the area; and
WHEREAS, the Albina Vision Trust, a 501(c)3 community-led development organization, was created in 2017 to steward the vision for the future of Lower Albina: a nationally precedent-setting, 94-acre restorative redevelopment plan for the area; the largest such initiative in the United States with a holistic, child-centered, district-level plan for the creation and generational sustenance of a diverse, abundant and historically informed zip code in the heart of Portland's central city; and
WHEREAS, in July 2024, City Council accepted the Albina Vision Trust Community Investment Plan and affirm City objectives for the area in alignment with the N/NE Quadrant Plan and Central City 2035 Plan; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Charter Section 1-104 the City may sell, dispose or exchange any real property which it owns not needed for public use, by negotiation, bid, auction or any other method the City finds appropriate, including the method for granting of development rights for City-owned properties; and
WHEREAS, ADM-13.02- Disposition of City Real Property requires a consistent process for the identification, notification and disposition of excess and surplus real property, including the granting of development rights.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City anticipates selecting a new development partner to advance vertical development of the City-owned properties adjacent to the Moda and VMC following the new long-term lease for the Moda Center; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator will negotiate in earnest with Albina Vision Trust for the opportunity to serve as the City's development partner; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the development partner should have a community-oriented mission and leadership with demonstrated:
- Experience in real estate financing and development or securing partnerships to effectively advance real estate development;
- Ability to bring significant philanthropic and/or private investment to the table; and
- Experience advancing the public interest and the City's adopted objectives for the area; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the process should consider the organization's development vision for properties, the relationship to the broader Rose Quarter/Lower Albina area, compatibility with the function and operations of the event campus, consistency with the rest of the new Rose Quarter agreements, any costs associated with the granting of development rights, the monetary value of development rights, and potential and/or anticipated public financial support necessary to advance development; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the process should address how the partnership would be structured, the property disposition strategy site by site, the timeline for redevelopment, City and partner roles and responsibilities, and key milestones; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the binding agreements shall return to City Council for consideration on a concurrent timeline as the long-term lease for the Moda Center; and for a period to not exceed 12 months from when negotiations begin.
Exhibits and attachments
Impact Statement
Purpose of proposed legislation and background information
This resolution directs the City Administrator to initiate a process to identify and negotiate with a development partner for City-owned parcels adjacent to the Moda Center. It aligns consideration of a development partner with the anticipated new long-term lease with the Portland Trail Blazers. The resolution emphasizes coordination with broader Lower Albina initiatives and advances a community-centered redevelopment approach consistent with the adopted vision for restorative development in the district.
Financial and budgetary impacts
The resolution itself does not appropriate funds but initiates a process that may have future financial implications, such as costs related to negotiating development agreements. It also anticipates evaluating the monetary value of development rights and potential revenue from ground leases, property disposition, or public-private partnerships. Final fiscal impacts will be determined through subsequent agreements brought back to Council.
Economic and real estate development impacts
Advancing a development partner for these parcels positions the City to catalyze significant mixed-use development in a high-profile central city location. This effort could stimulate private investment, increase property values, and generate construction and permanent jobs.
Community impacts and community involvement
The resolution prioritizes a community-oriented development approach, including negotiation with Albina Vision Trust, which has an established, community-led vision for Lower Albina. It reflects a commitment to restorative development, wealth-building, and addressing historic harms experienced by Black Portlanders. Future phases will require robust community engagement to shape project outcomes, ensure accountability, and align redevelopment with neighborhood priorities.
100% renewable goal
While the resolution does not explicitly mandate sustainability requirements, future development agreements may incorporate the City's climate and energy goals, including progress toward 100% renewable energy. Redevelopment of these parcels presents an opportunity to integrate green building standards, district energy systems, and multimodal transportation infrastructure consistent with Portland's climate action objectives.
Economic and real estate development analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis submitted for this action and finds that it satisfies the requirements set forth in City Council Resolution 37664. The analysis is sufficiently detailed and complete to be considered a final statement for purposes of this action.
Document history
Document number: 2026-285
President's referral: City Life Committee