What does CMA stand for in urban studies?

CMA stands for Census Metropolitan Area, which is a key term in urban studies and planning. It refers specifically to regions in Canada that are defined by Statistics Canada for the purpose of analyzing demographic and urbanization patterns. A Census Metropolitan Area includes one or more neighboring municipalities situated around a major urban center, characterized by a high degree of social and economic integration with the urban core. This definition is vital for urban planners and policymakers as it helps them to understand population distributions, urban growth, and the spatial dynamics of metropolitan regions.

In urban studies, CMAs are used to study population trends, service delivery, infrastructure needs, and regional development strategies, making it an essential concept for anyone engaged in planning and urban analysis.