Portland seeks feedback on Moda Center funding

How you have your say: Councilors released an online survey this week.

• The survey is designed to weigh residents' priorities, including what they think the city's goals for renovation should be. "Keep the Trail Blazers in Portland" is one of the options.
• Our elected officials are also fanning out to eight parks on Saturday and Sunday to hear in-person feedback. Details on when and where are here.

Zoom out: Council leaders say they want feedback on two key issues:

• How the city should invest in the Moda Center and where funding should come from.
• What community benefits or long-term commitments should be included in a new Blazers lease.

By the numbers: State lawmakers have already pledged $365 million in bond money for the $573 million project.

• Multnomah County has proposed, but not committed to, chipping in another $88 million.
• Mayor Keith Wilson has proposed adding $120 million of city money to the pot to cover the remaining cost.

Between the lines: The simmering question underlying the funding decision is whether the Blazers' new owner, billionaire Tom Dundon, would move the team if the city, state and county don't pony up for renovations.

• The issue has already sparked a war of words between the Oregonian's sports columnist — who said a Blazers departure is a very real possibility — and a city councilor who argued "we always find money for the rich and never for the poor.

What they're saying: "We're going to push to get the best deal possible for Portlanders," Council President Jamie Dunphy said in a statement.

What's next: City leaders are expected to begin discussions on funding next month, with an August vote on a term sheet that would start negotiations over the lease, per OPB.