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The Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Ex Officio Table provided guidance on a decision as the City of Portland considers the future of the Keller Auditorium and the potential of a new venue at PSU.
Background information
Built in 1917 and renovated in 1968, the Keller Auditorium is one of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts venues. The nation's fifth largest performing arts center, Portland'5 consists of five theatres that are owned by the City of Portland and currently operated by Metro under the oversight of the Metropolitan Recreation and Exposition Commission (MERC).
Like many older buildings, the Keller Auditorium was not built to withstand a major earthquake. In October 2024, Portland City Council accepted the recommendation to pursue a strategy to develop two Broadway-capable venues—a renovated Keller Auditorium and a new facility at Portland State University (PSU)—to avoid a prolonged closure of the Keller, during which no alternative facility would be available. Council's Resolution 37680 directed a market feasibility study, transportation study, and the development of a subsequent funding strategy. Additionally, the resolution authorized the Deputy City Administrator (DCA) for Community and Economic Development to designate a steering committee to participate in the process as needed.
The role of the Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Ex Officio Table
Mayor Keith Wilson invited key stakeholders from Portland's performing arts ecosystem to join his ex officio table to make recommendations as the City considers the future of Keller Auditorium and the potential of a new venue at Portland State University.
Members of the Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Ex Officio Table
The ex officio table consists of 15 key stakeholders from throughout Portland's performing arts ecosystem, including:
- Ann Cudd, Portland State University President
- Bob Naito, Halprin Landscape Conservancy
- Christine Lewis, Metro Councilor
- Dana Rokosny, Musicians Union AFM Local 99, President
- Jamie Dunphy, Portland City Councilor
- Jessica Vega Pederson, Multnomah County, Chair
- Julia Brim Edwards, Multnomah County Commissioner
- Karen Whitman, Halprin Landscape Conservancy
- LaJune Thorson, Downtown Neighborhood Association, Board President
- Olivia Clark, Portland City Councilor
- Paul Snyder, Oregon Symphony, Executive Director
- Rich Jaffe, Broadway Across America, CEO
- Rose Etta Venetucci, IATSE Local 28
- Sarah Schwarz, PSU Foundation, President
- Shane Jewell, Oregon Ballet, Executive Director
Recommendation
The final recommendation to the Mayor was supported and signed by ten members of the ex officio table; one member abstained; and four members did not support the group recommendation (of which three members submitted their own minority report independently.)
Ex officio table process
These stakeholders met four times between January and June 2026 and were provided relevant studies and reports including a transportation study, market feasibility study, financial and economic impact analysis, analysis of a potential Keller closure, and a letter from Broadway Across America regarding temporary venues and phased construction. Individual feedback and perspectives were expressed through meeting discussions and a questionnaire, culminating in a recommendation letter to the Mayor.
Ex officio table meeting materials
January 23, 2026 slide deck for market feasibility study
February 23, 2026 agenda and slide deck
April 16, 2026 agenda and slide deck
June 2, 2026 agenda and slide deck