Oregon Politics Live June 26th, 2026: $450M in Data Center Tax Breaks—and Taxpayers May Fund the Moda Center

Talking about recent news articles that highlight issues facing Oregon, and possible solutions and action steps.

News Roundup:

Trail Blazers owner says taxpayers must cover entire Moda Center makeover

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2026/06/trail-blazers-owner-says-taxpayers-must-cover-entire-moda-center-makeover.html

Data centers are receiving $450 million in Oregon tax breaks this year; Does anybody think that’s a good idea?

https://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/2026/06/data-centers-are-receiving-450-million-in-oregon-tax-breaks-this-year-does-anybody-think-thats-a-good-idea.html 

Politicians, teachers union sue Hillsboro, Washington County over tax breaks to data centers

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/06/24/politicians-teachers-union-sue-hillsboro-washington-county-over-tax-breaks-to-data-centers/

Prosperity Council Likely to Streamline State’s Economic Development Agency

https://www.oregonjournalismproject.org/prosperity-council-likely-to-streamline-states-economic-development-agency

Six Oregon Cities Have Some of the Highest Rates of Alcohol-Induced Death in the Nation for People 65 and Over

https://www.oregonjournalismproject.org/six-oregon-cities-have-high-rates-of-alcohol-induced-death-for-people-65-and-over

Willamette Falls development project receives $4M federal grant https://www.oregonlive.com/native-american-news/2026/06/willamette-falls-development-project-receives-4m-federal-grant.html