Alan Greenblatt is a GOVERNING correspondent.
E-mail: mailbox@governing.comTwitter: @governing
Fun Contest
People who visit the 13th Floor probably have heard the term metropolitan "donuts" -- regions where the central city population is shrinking or at least not growing as fast as the suburban surroundings.
But how should we describe cities like Philadelphia or Washington? The very centers of these cities are returning to health, but you don't have to travel too far from Rittenhouse Square or Gallery Place to return to blight.
You have these little pockets of revitalization floating in the center of still somewhat-troubled urban seas, with most of the population gain still happening outside of the city.
I think "bullseye" kind of describes such places, but offers perhaps a less than ideal connotation. What would be a better term?
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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