💰 The price tag for keeping the Blazers in Portland

The Price Tag To Keep the Blazers Out of Seattle

It’ll take at least $400 million in public money to keep the Trail Blazers in Portland. That’s because the team, which is for sale, will need a new stadium — and a new owner will expect a partnership with the public sector. It’s not yet clear who’ll buy the team, but they’re unlikely to have a local connection. [Willamette Week]

• Related: A group of local civic and business leaders, calling themselves Rip City Forever, have joined forces to ask the state and the city to get to work on an effort to keep the Blazers. The mayor and the governor have already responded with a letter to the NBA saying that they’ll do what it takes to keep the team. [OPB]

Portland’s Best 40 Restaurants

The Oregonian released its new rankings of the city’s best restaurants. Kann is No. 1, even as chef Gregory Gourdet concentrates on opening a new restaurant in New York. [Oregonian 🔒]

• Rounding out the top 5 are Langbaan, Coquine, Nodoguro, and Kachka.
• The cheap but excellent eats on the list include Ha VL, Nong’s Khao Man Gai, and Ki’ikibáa.

Intel’s Continued Bad News for Oregon

Intel may drop its advanced research program, which keeps the company on the cutting edge of chip technology. The decision could result in further cuts to the company’s workforce in Oregon. [Oregonian 🔒]

Each week, we’re hearing about favorite local spots and organizations from City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city. Today we have some food-and-drink-related shoutouts:

• Flour Market | Concordia | “They have amazing baked goods, and it’s a lovely place to hang out. I was born and raised in Germany and love having easy access to good bread. She’s also got amazing sweet treats and funky vintage stuff for sale. It’s part of ‘Foodie Corner’ with Wilder and other great food. The Concordia plaza in front provides lots of outdoor seating and room for kids to play and enjoy their treats.” — Lynda S.
• The Fishwife Restaurant | University Park | “It is the finest restaurant on Lombard and is simply a great seafood restaurant that has serious fine dining chops for a fair price. Not pretentious, just great food and the best oyster sandwich in Portland.” — Jim T.
• Portland Parks and Recreation’s Free Lunch + Play | “Portland Parks offer Free Lunch and play sessions in parks all over the city. Lots of games and crafts and a free packed lunch for any kid from 1-18. [A recent lunch at Gateway Discovery Park] had mini tennis, basketball hoops, water colors, and bead jewelry. All to the sounds of DJ George, “The Mixologist.” The guy is like 80 and plays everything from hip-hop to bachata!” — Ruth G.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!