Portland is trying to pull the Trail Blazers arena talks into public view.
City Council President Jamie Dunphy sent a formal letter inviting Blazers leaders to a July 30 work session, according to KATU. The session would put team officials in front of council members as the city, county and franchise continue working through a proposed Moda Center renovation deal.
The timing is not accidental. Portland has been debating its share of the project, with earlier reporting putting the city's piece around $120 million as part of a larger package that also includes state and county money. The city has been seeking a long-term lease and public commitments in return for taxpayer support.
The Blazers, now led by Tom Dundon's ownership group, have pushed back on parts of the city's term sheet. That has turned a renovation discussion into a broader question about leverage, public funding and how firmly the franchise is tied to Portland beyond the current arena arrangement.
The July 30 session gives both sides a chance to move from letters and quotes to a direct public exchange.
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