MODA Center Tax Policy REPORT

Poll Shows Strong Opposition to Taxpayer-Funded Moda Center Bailout

New statewide polling commissioned by Oregon Capitol Watch Foundation shows strong voter opposition to public funding tied to the proposed Moda Center renovation project, with affordability and taxpayer concerns driving opposition across Oregon.

Learn more about this report.

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Top Poll Highlights

69%

Oppose public funding for the Moda Center renovation proposal

58%

Still oppose after hearing arguments about keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland

72%

Oppose after hearing concerns about taxpayer costs and public priorities

Portland city skyline with multiple bridges spanning over a river and urban buildings.

What Is The Proposal?

Oregon lawmakers recently approved a major public financing package tied to renovations at Portland’s Moda Center.

Supporters describe the proposal as an investment in economic development and the future of professional sports in Oregon. Opponents argue the plan places substantial long-term taxpayer obligations on Oregon residents while benefiting a privately owned sports franchise.

Critics estimate the total long-term taxpayer obligation could ultimately exceed one billion dollars once financing costs and long-term bond obligations are fully calculated.

OCWF commissioned statewide polling to better understand how Oregon voters view the proposal, its financing structure, and the broader affordability concerns surrounding the project.

Poll Results

69.1%

Oppose public funding for the Moda Center renovation proposal

57.9%

Still oppose after hearing arguments about keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland

56.2%

Still oppose after hearing economic development arguments supporting the project

71.7%

Oppose after hearing concerns about taxpayer costs and public priorities

71.2%

Oppose after hearing concerns about long-term economic value and taxpayer return

Listen To The Radio Ad

Click on the player below to listen to the radio ad.

Ad Transcript

Barbara: "Welcome to Billionaire’s Banquet. Tina says Oregon’s cupboards are bare, but tonight, Governor Kotek spares no expense."

Jeff:  You aren’t on the guest list—but you are picking up the tab for the billionaire owner of the Portland Trail Blazers."

Barbara: "To start, Tina serves up seventy-five million dollars from the Clean Energy Fund."

Jeff: “ And the main course?"

Barbara: "The pièce de résistance: A nine-figure cut of prime bond debts.  Slowly-cooked until the total cost grows to six-hundred million dollars."

Jeff: What about side dishes?

Barbara: " We have a medley of increased motor vehicle taxes—all for a basketball billionaire group that contributes nothing to the Moda Center renovation."

Jeff: check, please."

Barbara: "A billion dollars!  

Jeff: "It’s enough to give Oregon taxpayers...

Voice: "Indigestion!(pause) Buuuurp

Jeff: "And that’s why Oregon Capitol Watch paid for this"

Media Contacts & Speakers

Smiling man with dark hair wearing a dark suit, white shirt, blue tie, and US flag pin.
Jeff Kropf
Former Oregon State Representative
Executive Director, Oregon Capitol Watch
Oregon Capitol Watch image placeholder.
Lee Vasche
Partner & Senior Pollster
American Pulse

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About Oregon Capitol Watch Foundation

Oregon Capitol Watch Foundation (OCWF) is a nonprofit organization focused on educating Oregonians about government spending, public policy decisions, and taxpayer impacts affecting Oregon residents.

OCWF uses polling, issue analysis, media outreach, and public communications to help inform public discussion surrounding major public policy issues across Oregon.

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