I'm posting this for Michael Ratcliffe, who is not a subscriber to this listserve. --Phil ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OMB has indicated that they prefer "metro area" and "micro area" as abbreviations. They do not like "MeSA" and "MiSA." Other acceptable abbreviations are: CBSA for Core Based Statistical Area CSA for Combined Statistical Area NECTA for New England City and Town Area CNECTA for Combined New England City and Town Area Metro Division for Metropolitan Division NECTA Division for New England City and Town Area Division _____________________________ Michael R. Ratcliffe Chief, Population Distribution Branch Population Division U.S. Census Bureau 301-763-2421 michael.r.ratcliffe(a)census.gov