It is not uncommon for shared office buildings and spaces to lack a strong, consistent culture within its walls due to tenant turnover, work models, or maybe just general unawareness of other people. The Metropole seeks to mitigate this lack of culture creation through our tenant culture & governance committee, co-led by our tenants. With the building’s purpose centered on empowering tenants to collaborate and share space, we created an opportunity to intentionally connect individuals and organizations through this shared stewardship model.
Purpose & Facilitation
The Tenant Culture & Governance Committee guides the operational and cultural direction of the Metropole, bringing fresh perspectives, ideas and opinions from diverse backgrounds to monthly meetings. While building ownership retains certain procedural policies and code mandated regulations, this body is truly the driving force for co-creating culture and community, with decisions being made based on equity, accountability, shared values and sustainability. Leilani Lewis serves as the Metropole’s Tenant Advisory & Culture Creation Consultant, and acts as primary facilitator for these gatherings. All tenants commit to sending one or two representatives to this committee, typically those who have decision-making authority within their organization. More recently, this group has created our shared Metropole building norms, with all tenant groups participating in shaping the language and intentionality behind each one.
Tenant Engagement & Reflections
Various perspectives, backgrounds and skill sets are both welcomed and encouraged while participating in this committee. While each individual may have different ideas, beliefs or strategies in co-creating the building’s culture, the core mission of the committee remains at the forefront. One member reflects, “I appreciate being part of the tenants committee that centers values and collective care. It has been a thoughtful space where each member has a genuine voice in shaping the building, rooted in community and shared purpose”. While this committee serves as a space for core work and discussions to be the primary focus, it also encourages community and collaboration amongst the group. “I also always look forward to the meetings as they are a great opportunity to connect with other tenants, learn about their organizations, and sometimes support one another by sharing resources or offering help”, says Line from Spark Northwest. “Being part of the Tenant Culture & Governance Committee has greatly shaped my experience at the Metropole. It is a space where tenants are truly represented and heard, and where the Metropole team listens, engages with our concerns, and works collaboratively to find solutions”, a statement that reinforces the mission, and lays the foundation for future governance.
Laying the Foundations
The Tenant Culture & Governance Committee has not only committed to reviewing proposed policy changes, or joining interest-based sub-committees (special shout-out to the plant committee), but to building a culture from the ground up that will serve as the foundation for years to come. Our newest tenants who joined the group after its inception, found this sentiment to be true. “We were the last tenant to move in and at our first Tenant Culture & Governance Committee meeting, we immediately felt at home. Five months later, we continue to be in awe of the care and commitment of the Satterberg Foundation to ensure our community space reflects the mission and values of its nonprofit tenants”, says Deborah Espinosa from Living with Conviction. While this group and its areas of focus will change throughout tenancy agreements, or if the needs of the building’s communities shift, maintaining a culture is something that needs to be continuously nurtured. Culture creation lies within intentionality, ensuring a true sense of belonging for all.
