PORTLAND, Oregon — Portland is preparing for a major shift in how its performing arts venues are run after the Metro Council voted Thursday to begin negotiations that could dissolve its longstanding operating agreement with the city.

The decision opens the door for Portland to take back control of its five performing arts centers — the Keller Auditorium, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall and the three theaters inside Antoinette Hatfield Hall — for the first time since the 1980s.

Metro has operated the centers for decades, despite the city owning the buildings. Leaders on both sides say the current model is no longer working, especially as the aging venues face escalating maintenance needs.

“That model hasn’t worked great,” said Portland City Commissioner Jamie Dunphy, who represents Dis

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