Portland Metro Chamber advocates for MLB team and stadium investment in Oregon

The Oregon State Legislature's Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on March 24, 2025, to discuss the potential economic impact of bringing a Major League Baseball (MLB) team to Portland. The meeting highlighted strong community support for the Portland Diamond Project, which aims to establish a new stadium and team in the city.

Andrew Hone, president and CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber, passionately advocated for the project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs, boost local morale, and generate significant tax revenue. He described the proposed stadium as a catalyst for economic development, stating, "This ballpark will ignite a boom in Oregon's living room that will be felt for years to come." Hone urged the committee to consider the long-term benefits of investing in this project, which he believes could transform Portland's future.

Graham Treanor, president of the Oregon AFL-CIO, echoed Hone's sentiments, highlighting the importance of labor partnerships in ensuring that the development benefits the community. Treanor noted that the project would not only create thousands of construction jobs but also provide fair working conditions for future stadium employees. He emphasized the collaborative spirit between business and labor, stating, "When planning and development are done this way, everyone can win."

The committee also discussed the financial aspects of the project, with estimates suggesting an $1.8 billion investment for the stadium, with state support potentially covering less than half of the costs. This investment is seen as crucial for Portland to compete with other cities vying for an MLB team.

As the meeting progressed, concerns were raised about the timeline for the project and the need for thorough analysis before moving forward. John Calhoun from Tax Furniture, Oregon, expressed apprehension about the rapid pace of discussions, urging for more time to review the economic studies related to the proposal.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing enthusiasm for the Portland Diamond Project, with supporters arguing that it represents a unique opportunity for economic revitalization in the region. As the committee prepares for a work session on the bill in the coming days, the community remains hopeful that this ambitious vision will soon become a reality, bringing with it a new era of growth and opportunity for Portland and the surrounding areas.