Your Daily Guide

The Moda Center: Past, Present, and Future

The Oregon Legislature passed a $365 million funding package last month to renovate the Moda Center. This plan is contingent on the Trail Blazers staying in Portland, and it's being touted as an economic boon for the city. Portland City Council members are divided over the plan, however, with some expressing concerns about the speed and transparency of the negotiations. Today on City Cast Portland, we talk about these ongoing funding negotiations. [Portland Mercury, KGW, City Cast Portland 🎧]

What's undeniable, however, is the impact this arena has had on the city over the last 30 years:

• Rose Garden: Originally known as the Rose Garden when it opened in 1995, the arena's name changed in 2013 when Moda Health secured 10-year naming rights. Not everyone was happy about this change, and the Trail Blazers' then-president and CEO Chris McGowan assured the public that the area around the arena would continue to be known as the Rose Quarter. "We're not forgetting the Rose Garden," he said. "It's a part of our history and heritage that none of us certainly will forget." [NBA]
• Facts & Figures: 1.5 million people pass through the Moda Center every year, and it can seat close to 20,000 people. One of the biggest events held at the Moda Center was last year's PDX Crusade, which brought in 35,000 people over two days. In 2009 and 2015, the arena hosted the first and second rounds of the men’s NCAA basketball tournament. [OPB, Rose Quarter]
• The Future: While the arena's long-term future is up for debate, it's not done yet: The Moda Center is slated to host the women's NCAA Final Four in 2030. [Oregonian]
• Sustainability: The Moda Center is a leader in sustainability and energy efficiency, and was the first major arena in the country to be awarded with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum status — the highest certification level for green buildings. [Rose Quarter]

Oregon's Minimum Wage Is Going Up

The state’s minimum wage will increase by 50 cents an hour on July 1, which translates to $16.80 per hour in Portland. Oregon’s minimum wage has gone up annually since 2016, with this year’s increase based on a 3.3% inflation rate. [Oregonian]

Nike Cuts Technology, Operations Jobs

Nike is overhauling its operations division in an effort to revive sales, and as a part of this turnaround is laying off 1,400 workers. This is the fourth year in a row that the company has had significant layoffs. [Oregonian]

In-N-Out Burger Expands to Vancouver

Last week, the California-based burger chain opened its closest Portland-area location yet — and some locals were so excited they lined up hours ahead of time. Another In-N-Out is under construction in Hillsboro, and is expected to open later this year. [KOIN, Hillsboro News Times]