Grant Mathews @GrantMathews20 - Twitter Profile

4 days ago

Losing the Trail Blazers would be an economic catastrophe that Portland cannot afford. We aren't talking about subsidizing a hobby; we are talking about protecting a massive economic engine that generates $670 million in annual impact and supports over 4,500 jobs. The Moda Center is the anchor of the Rose Quarter, and without the Blazers, that district becomes a ghost town. In a city that is desperately trying to claw its way back to economic stability, voluntarily letting your biggest commercial tenant walk away isn't just negligence, it’s financial suicide. The argument that this is a "handout to billionaires" is lazy and ignores the actual mechanics of the proposed deal (Senate Bill 1501). The funding model doesn't hike your property taxes; it reinvests the income taxes paid by the players, visiting teams, and touring artists—money that wouldn’t exist without the arena—back into the building. We are essentially telling the NBA: "We will use the massive revenue you generate to keep your workplace world-class." That is not charity; that is basic business retention. If we don’t do it, cities like Las Vegas or Seattle will happily build a palace for our team and take that tax revenue for themselves. Furthermore, this isn't just about the NBA anymore. We finally secured a WNBA franchise (the Portland Fire), and its success is tethered to a viable, modern venue. If the Moda Center continues to rot as the oldest un-renovated arena in the league, we lose Tier 1 concerts, we lose the NCAA tournaments, and eventually, we lose the Blazers. You cannot have a "major league" city with minor league infrastructure. The choice isn't between "schools or stadiums"—that’s a false dichotomy. The choice is between having a thriving entertainment district that funds public services or a vacant concrete shell that funds nothing. Portland is at a tipping point. We have a limited window before the current lease expires in 2030 to secure a long-term commitment from ownership. Refusing to partner on this renovation gives them every excuse to look elsewhere. We have already seen what happens when Portland rests on its laurels—businesses leave and the tax base crumbles. Let’s not make the same mistake with the only major professional sports team that puts this city on the global map. Renovate the Moda Center, secure the team for the next 30 years, and stop gambling with the city’s economic future. One thing every politician has made clear - from the Governor to the Mayor to the City Council - is that they are willing to invest in the Trailblazers, and don't want to be blamed if the team leaves town. That first part is great, but won't hold up the second part. People can cite whatever economic analysis they want, it would be a disaster if the Blazers left town, and there would be plenty of blame to go around. @MayorKWilson @mitch4portland @jamiedunphy @TeacherTiff4PDX @pnwpolicyangel @NovickOR @GovTinaKotek @candaceforpdx

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