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1. Why Is USTA Only Seeking Control of PTC?

1. If USTA’s stated goal is to “grow tennis citywide,” why are they seeking control of only PTC, the highest‑demand, highest‑revenue facility?
2. Why is there no proposal to improve or manage other public courts across Portland?
3. How does giving USTA control of the only indoor public tennis center benefit the entire city?

2. Why Was This Negotiated in Secret?

1. Why were negotiations between USTA PNW and the City conducted without any public notice, outreach, or community involvement?
2. Why was the public asked to approve a $91 million‑per‑year Parks Levy while the City was simultaneously exploring giving away a major public asset?
3. How does the City justify this level of non‑transparency for a 30‑year decision affecting thousands of residents?

3. Why Consider a $1 Lease After Voters Approved $455 Million for Parks?

1. Portland voters approved the 2025 Parks Levy to protect and strengthen public assets. How does giving away PTC for $1 align with what voters were told?
2. Does the City acknowledge that many community members feel misled or betrayed by this timing?
3. Why is the City claiming it cannot maintain PTC when it now receives $91 million per year for parks and recreation?

4. How Will Public Access Be Protected?

1. How will the City guarantee that open court time and drop‑in play remain protected year‑round?
2. Will winter access — already extremely limited — be guaranteed at current levels?
3. What prevents PTC from becoming primarily a tournament or league venue, reducing access for everyday players?

5. How Will the City Prevent Massive Price Increases?

Cost Comparison Evidence: PTC vs. USTA VTC

Membership Costs

PTC: $74/month standard, $60/month senior
USTA VTC: $135/year + $39 fee (≈ $14.50/month first year), no resident discounts

Court Rental (Members)

PTC: FREE 1.25 hours, any time
USTA VTC: $22–$29 per 1.5 hours

Court Rental (Non‑Members)

PTC: $32 any time
USTA VTC: $32–$39 (includes $10 non‑member fee)

Activity Fees

PTC: $12–$16
USTA VTC: $21–$40

Policy Differences

• PTC: resident discounts, open to local coaches, community‑focused
• USTA VTC: no resident discounts, USTA‑controlled coaching, higher fees

Key Takeaways

• USTA’s model is significantly more expensive at every level.
• Free court time disappears.
• Activity fees nearly double.
• Resident discounts vanish.
• Seniors and juniors pay more.
• Low‑income families lose access.

Questions for Council

1. Will the City cap court fees, program fees, and memberships to prevent USTA‑level price increases?
2. How will affordability be protected for seniors, juniors, and low‑income players?
3. Will USTA be required to offer equity‑based pricing or financial assistance?
   
   

6. How Will Indoor Access Be Protected in Portland’s Climate?

1. What analysis has the City done on how this lease affects year‑round access, given Portland’s six‑month outdoor season?
2. How will the City prevent USTA from creating a monopoly on indoor tennis, limiting public access?

7. What Happens to Coaches and Staff?

1. USTA requires all coaches to be USTA‑approved, USTA‑trained, and USTA‑certified. Will current PTC coaches — many with decades of service — be forced out if they do not pass USTA’s internal testing?
2. Will independent coaches still be allowed to teach at PTC?
3. What happens to unionized workers under a private operator?
4. How will the City prevent displacement of local pros and staff who are central to PTC’s community?

8. How Will Juniors and Seniors Be Protected?

1. Will USTA be required to maintain affordable junior programs, not just high‑performance training?
2. How will senior daytime access and drop‑in blocks be protected?
3. What guarantees ensure these groups won’t be pushed out by revenue‑driven programming?

9. Why Give Away a Revenue‑Producing Facility?

1. PTC is one of the few recreation assets that generates revenue. Why would the City give it away?
2. Has the City analyzed how losing PTC revenue will affect community centers and programs that rely on cross‑subsidy?
3. Does the City recognize the risk of a domino effect, where other public facilities are handed off next?

10. What Public Benefit Justifies a 30‑Year Lease for $1?

1. What measurable public benefit offsets the loss of control over Portland’s only indoor public tennis center?
2. What performance metrics will USTA be required to meet?
3. Will the City retain the right to terminate the lease if public access declines or promises go unmet?
4. Why has no public impact study been conducted before considering a 30‑year decision?

11. Will the City Commit to a Transparent Public Process?

1. Will the City commit to a public hearing before any decision is made?
2. How will ongoing community oversight be built into the agreement?
3. Why has the City not gathered formal input from the thousands of people who rely on PTC every week?