Palm Springs Life magazine has been awarded the General Excellence Award at the 2026 National City & Regional Magazine Awards, presented by the City & Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) on June 1 in New Orleans. The award is among the highest honors in regional publishing and recognizes outstanding achievement in editorial quality, production, and vision.
The National CRMA Awards celebrate excellence in city and regional journalism, design, photography, and editorial content. In selecting Palm Springs Life, judges praised the magazine's distinctive editorial voice and its vibrant celebration of desert living. "Palm Springs Life brings life to the desert with an appreciation for the architecture, setting and Old Hollywood glamour," the judges noted.
"This recognition is especially meaningful because regional magazines play such an important role in documenting the character of a place," said Emily Chavous Foster, editor-in-chief of Palm Springs Life. "Palm Springs Life has always sought to celebrate not only the beauty and glamour of the desert, but also the people, culture, architecture, and stories that give this community its identity. We're incredibly honored to see that work recognized on a national stage."
The magazine's achievements were also highlighted in CRMA Finalists Magazine 2026, which showcases the year's honorees. Palm Springs Life was a finalist in the Online Excellence category among a competitive field of large-market publications, as well as in the Spread Design and Illustration category. These recognitions underscore the publication's commitment to exceptional visual storytelling, editorial excellence, and innovative design.
For business and technology leaders, this award highlights the enduring value of regional media in an increasingly digital world. Palm Springs Life's success demonstrates how a focus on authentic storytelling and community identity can drive engagement and brand loyalty. The magazine's ability to adapt to digital platforms while maintaining editorial quality serves as a model for other publications navigating the shift to online content. As regional magazines continue to document the character of their communities, they provide unique insights into local markets, trends, and culture that can inform business strategy and investment decisions.
Palm Springs Life, which debuted in March 1958, serves as Southern California's premier source for architecture and design, art, entertainment, food, fashion, philanthropy, and notable events throughout the Coachella Valley. Through exceptional storytelling and award-winning design, the magazine chronicles the people, places, and ideas shaping desert life today and defining its future.
