Trail Blazers arena deal: Bike protesters decry using tax dollars for Moda Center upgrades

Key Points:

• Dozens gathered near the Moda Center to protest the use of taxpayer dollars for a $600 million renovation, urging officials to prioritize keeping Portland schools open, preserving teachers' jobs, and resolving union contract talks instead.
• The rally, organized by Sunrise PDX and supported by the Portland chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, criticized the proposed public funding for the arena, calling it a bad deal benefiting billionaire Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon.
• Despite NBA officials emphasizing the arena's need for upgrades, local leaders have committed substantial public funds, including $365 million from the state and $120 million from the city, contingent on a new lease agreement with the Blazers.
• Portland City Councilors Angelita Morillo, Mitch Green, Tiffany Koyama Lane, and Candace Avalos opposed the funding deal, echoing protesters' demands for better investment in public services rather than billionaire interests.
• Union leaders from the Portland Association of Teachers and the City of Portland Professional Workers Union urged officials to focus on education and labor issues, highlighting school closures and unsettled contracts as pressing concerns over arena renovations.