Andrew Hoan’s testimony at the Oregon State Legislature Rules Committee on February 11, 2026.
On behalf of the members of the Portland Metro Chamber we enthusiastically support Senate Bill 1501.
For over 50 years, Oregon’s Arena has been an economic engine for the state. Think of the magnitude of its annual impact:
- $670 million in economic activity,
- Supporting 4,430 jobs through activations that
- Draw 1.6 million visitors through its doors,
- Who in turn spend $113 million, all generated thanks to
- A LEED Platinum certified and 100% powered by renewable energy facility.
This impact was due to the investment of the Trail Blazers franchise that until two years ago, owned, operated, and maintained the facility with no public support.
As you are all aware, the Portland region is facing significant economic decline and uncertainty. But despite our challenges, we are still a city worthy of world-class investment. If you want the ultimate market signal, look no further than Tom Dundon’s $4.2 billion bet on Portland’s future. Thanks to that investment, our state is now firmly in the national spotlight.
But being on the national stage also means our community will also be measured against the standards set by other states for public matching funds. We need our public sector partners to invest in a facility that has given so much.
As you know, taxes generated at the Moda Center have long supported the state’s general fund and every local government. Your investment today, will produce incalculable returns tomorrow; and the value of seeing the state on TV screens around the world is – priceless.
These are divided times. And the business community is often critical of state policy; however, I am here to say, ‘thank you’. There are many who will be responsible, including you, for carrying this public-private partnership, but I want to extend my gratitude to:
- Governor Tina Kotek
- Senate President Rob Wagner
- Senator Kate Lieber
- House Majority Leader Benjamin Bowman
- County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson
- Portland Mayor Keith Wilson
- City Council President Jamie Dunphy
- And City Councilor Loretta Smith
They understand the moment and the importance of rising to meet the challenge, and now I urge you to follow their leadership.
If you think back to the beginning in the 1970s, Larry Glickman’s decade-long efforts finally paid off when Portland was awarded its first major sports franchise. This has long been considered the spark that ignited Portland’s 50-year rise. Since then, the Trial Blazers have become an invaluable cultural institution in Oregon, and a symbol of our unity.
Like Glickman, members of this committee have the opportunity today to keep the team here, where it belongs.
We urge you to cement the Portland Trail Blazers legacy, expand it to include the WNBA Fire, Albina Vision Trust, and set the stage for the next 50 years of economic prosperity in Portland and Oregon.
Needless to say, it’s a slam dunk!
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