City councilors want your thoughts on using public money for Moda Center renovations.

Why it matters: Your insight could steer the city's role in financing the arena overhaul and the terms of a future long-term Blazers lease.

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 tomorrow 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 already pledged $365 million in bond money for the $573 million project.

• Multnomah County proposed, but not committed to, chipping in another $88 million.
• Mayor Wilson 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.

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Minus tides are back along the Oregon coast this week, briefly exposing parts of the shoreline to reveal sea stars, anemones and other hidden treasures.

• The most extreme low tides will take place Monday and Tuesday — where some areas will see tides below three feet, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predictions.
• Early mornings (between 6-9am) are the best time to catch minus tides.

Yes, but: Be aware of your surroundings.

• Exploring minus tides come with some risk. Slick, sharp rocks, standing water and incoming surf can make even a casual outing dangerous.

Pro tips: Check the tide tables before you head out. Start your adventure as the tide drops and return before it begins rising.

• Watch your step, avoid turning your back on the ocean and leave marine creatures undisturbed.
• Extreme low tides are also paired with extreme high tides reaching up to 10 feet in the evenings and afternoons.

If you go: Not every coastal town will experience the same minus tides, so plan your trip accordingly.

• Can't catch them this time around? They'll be back next month, too.

🥞 Hunnymilk, one of Northeast Portland's most affordable brunch spots for more than a decade, will close at the end of the month. (The Oregonian)

🚐 Roughly 11,000 electric Amazon delivery vans will be exempt from new road user fees that apply to other Oregon EV drivers because lawmakers failed to include them in legislation passed last year. (Oregon Capital Chronicle)

🌇 George Crandall — noted architect, urban planner and designer of Portland's iconic "Big Pink" building — died on Tuesday. (Portland Business Journal)

🛞 A man who brought a derelict property in Southeast Portland is struggling to figure out what to do after thousands of old tires were illegally dumped on the land. (KOIN)

Portland Parks & Recreation launches its free summer shuttle service today with the goal of making Forest Park and Washington Park more accessible to residents across the city.

State of play: The shuttle will run Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm through Aug. 22, connecting six North Portland and East Portland transit and community hubs to Washington Park, Oregon Zoo, Pittock Mansion and three Forest Park trailheads.

• Community groups, including Disabled Hikers, People of Color Outdoors and Autism Society of Oregon, will offer guided hikes and other activities like painting, yoga and puppet shows as part of the pilot program.

Don't worry: It'll take you back. Just make sure to get on the right line.

• You can track the buses to see where they are on the route, too.

The service is designed to reduce transit barriers, especially for residents who live far from Portland's signature parks or lack reliable transportation.

• It's funded through an Oregon Department of Transportation grant.

A few weeks ago, I came across an Instagram Reel from someone who recently moved to Portland from Seattle. She said the transition has been much easier because people here are so much more friendly.

• "I spent five years in Seattle carrying all the social weight," user Madlin Sol said in an expletive-filled video with more than 14,000 likes. "It's such a relief to not have to deal with that anymore."

This got me thinking: Is Portland nicer than Seattle? And if so, how?

• I'd love to hear from you, born-and-raised Portlanders and transplants alike.

📨 Hit reply or email us [email protected]. I may use your response in an upcoming story.