Potential city shelter (6)
I believe the answer is:
latent
'potential' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'city shelter' is the wordplay.
'city' becomes 'LA' (Los Angeles).
'shelter' becomes 'tent' (canvas shelter).
'la'+'tent'='LATENT'
(Other definitions for latent that I've seen before include "Potential not realised" , "Existing but not yet active or visible" , "As yet undeveloped" , "Potential, dormant" , "Hidden (potential)" .)