As the Portland Trail Blazers get ready to tip off another season, the spotlight in Portland has shifted from the basketball court to City Hall, where talks are getting underway on a long-term agreement meant to keep the franchise anchored in the Rose City.
The Portland City Council approved a term sheet on Aug. 12 that spells out the city’s financial commitment to renovating Moda Center, along with what the city expects from the team in exchange.
Under the framework, the team and city representatives will meet at least twice a week to hammer out the details of the deal. Their first gathering following the term sheet vote took place this past Monday.
The negotiations come as the City Council remains divided over several sticking points, including how much of the renovation costs Portland should foot the bill for, what the city should receive in return, and what retaining the team is truly worth.
Portland City Councilor Steve Novick, who represents the city’s Third District, is part of the ongoing discussions.
On this week’s segment of Your Voice, Your Vote, Novick laid out his position on the matter.
Watch the full interview below:
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