Poll: 69% oppose Blazer Moda Center bailout

New Statewide Poll Shows Strong Opposition for Moda Center Renovation with Public Subsidies (even in Portland)
By Oregon Capitol Watch,

Polling shows opposition extends into the Portland metro area, where just 10.6% expressed strong support for the proposal, as Oregon Capital Watch Foundation launches statewide radio campaign across more than 20 Oregon stations

SALEM, Ore. — New statewide polling commissioned by Oregon Capital Watch Foundation (OCWF) shows strong Oregon voter opposition to public funding tied to the proposed Moda Center renovation project, including significant opposition within the Portland metro area itself.
• 69.1% oppose public funding for the proposal statewide
• Just 7.5% of voters statewide expressed strong support for the proposal
• Even within the Portland metro area, 60.7% opposed public funding for the proposal
• Only 10.6% of Portland metro respondents expressed strong support
• 57.9% still opposed the proposal after hearing arguments about keeping the Trail Blazers in Portland
• 56.2% still opposed the proposal after hearing economic development arguments supporting the project
• 71.7% opposed the proposal after hearing concerns about taxpayer costs, affordability, and competing public priorities

The polling also mirrors recent Portland-area polling reported by The Oregonian showing majority opposition to the use of public ‘clean energy’ funds for the Moda Center proposal.

The findings suggest concerns about affordability, taxpayer priorities, and large public subsidy projects are extending beyond traditional geographic and political divides.

As part of the broader public awareness effort surrounding the issue, Oregon Capital Watch Foundation is also launching a statewide radio advertising campaign across more than 20 Oregon radio stations focused on taxpayer priorities, affordability concerns, and public spending issues identified in the polling.

“Oregonians are sending a very clear message about affordability, taxpayer priorities, and the growing financial pressures facing working families across the state,” said Jeff Kropf, Executive Director of Oregon Capital Watch Foundation.

“One of the most significant findings in the polling was that opposition remained majority opposition even after respondents heard the primary arguments supporting the proposal,” said Lee Vasche, Partner & Senior Pollster at American Pulse Research & Polling.