Portland officials review USTA Pacific Northwest proposal to operate, invest in Portland Tennis Center

Portland city officials on Dec. 16 heard an update on a proposed public‑private partnership that would shift operations of the Portland Tennis Center to USTA Pacific Northwest and bring outside capital for repairs and programming.

City Chief Financial Officer Jonas Berry told the Arts and Economy Committee that preliminary due diligence indicates the city currently spends roughly $2,200,000 a year on the Portland Tennis Center and that USTA PNW’s proposal could relieve most operational costs, producing a potential net savings of about $2,000,000 annually. Berry said USTA PNW has proposed contributing roughly $2,300,000 toward specific capital improvements, while a broader deferred‑maintenance estimate for Portland parks is about $10.2 million and will require further review.

“The result of that initial due diligence indicates there is likely benefit to city financial and service outcomes, assuming we can get to a formal agreement on the critical details,” Jonas Berry said.

Why it matters: The council framed the proposal as an opportunity to modernize an aging facility next to Benson High School, expand year‑round access in a city with a shortage of indoor courts, and reduce operating pressure on an already constrained budget. USTA PNW told the committee its model includes long‑term stewardship, scholarships and expanded youth programming; speakers noted those services can yield workforce and tourism benefits as well as increased recreation options for residents.

What was proposed and what’s unresolved: China Kirk, chief operating officer for USTA Pacific Northwest, described a proposal that would provide up to $3,000,000 in total investment (including about $2.3 million targeted to Portland Tennis Center upgrades and $100,000 to revitalize 10 community tennis hubs across the city) and commit to multi‑decade facility management. Kirk said the organization also brings national design and operations expertise and scholarship programs aimed at keeping costs low for low‑income users.

Local testimony backed the idea: Players and coaches who use the Portland Tennis Center described chronic facility problems — a leaking roof, aging dome and limited year‑round courts — and urged the council to pursue improvements. Ella Maliska, a sports scientist and coach, said, “PTC is the heart of the tennis community and a place for all,” and urged support for measures that expand access for youth.

Points the city will negotiate: Council members and staff flagged several items that must be clarified before a contract is signed: the labor transition and whether city employees who now work at PTC would retain comparable wages and benefits; precise capital needs beyond the USTA PNW’s proposed contribution; how existing community partnerships and sponsorships would be preserved; and safeguards to ensure continued low‑cost access and scholarships. Staff said those topics—particularly labor and legal reviews—are part of the next phase of due diligence.

A policy concern raised at the hearing: Councilor Green asked USTA PNW to address a recent national policy change reported at the USTA level related to transgender athletes. China Kirk acknowledged the concern, said the organization would discuss it further offline and work to ensure equitable local access.

Next steps: The CFO recommended that the Portland Parks and Recreation director lead negotiations and return to council with a detailed agreement proposal in 2026. City staff said they aim to move quickly—potentially returning in the spring so financial implications can be considered in the FY26‑27 budget cycle—but they stressed that negotiations will continue until labor, legal, capital and access questions are resolved.