Palm Springs Life magazine has been awarded a General Excellence Award at the 2026 National City & Regional Magazine Awards, presented by the City & Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) during its annual conference on June 1 in New Orleans. This honor, among the highest in regional publishing, recognizes outstanding overall 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 for the General Excellence Award, 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.
Emily Chavous Foster, editor-in-chief of Palm Springs Life, expressed gratitude for the recognition. "This recognition is especially meaningful because regional magazines play such an important role in documenting the character of a place," Foster said. "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 and their award-worthy work. 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.
Since debuting in March 1958, Palm Springs Life has served 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.
This award highlights the importance of regional magazines in capturing the character of a place. For readers and the industry, it underscores the value of quality local journalism and design that reflects a community's unique identity. The recognition also positions Palm Springs Life as a leader among regional publications, setting a standard for editorial excellence and visual appeal that can inspire other magazines nationwide.
