PSSC Is Ready to Make a New International BFF!

By Deb Pierrel

Big news from the Palm Springs Sister Cities Committee—we’re officially on the hunt for our next sister city! That’s right, we’ve formed a dedicated team to explore where in the world our next meaningful, cross-cultural connection might be.

Why a second sister city, you ask? Because one amazing friendship just isn’t enough! Our existing sister city relationship with San Miguel de Allende has brought us unforgettable experiences including cultural exchanges and student programs to shared celebrations and lasting bonds. Now, we’re ready to grow our international family.

This isn’t just about shaking hands and exchanging postcards (though we love a good postcard). It’s about opening doors to new perspectives, artistic inspiration, educational opportunities, economic partnerships, and yes—some seriously fun cultural festivities.

What Does It Take to Become a Sister City? Behind the scenes, forming a sister city relationship is both thoughtful and strategic. Not all partnerships look the same. Each brings a unique kind of value. One city might offer rich opportunities for cultural and artistic exchange, while another might lean into economic development, tourism, or sustainability collaboration. Some cities align through shared industries or climate, while others share historical or demographic similarities that spark meaningful connection.

Our committee evaluates potential cities based on a mix of criteria, including shared interests and complementary strengths; a willingness and ability to maintain active, long-term exchanges; support from community, government, and educational institutions; and opportunities for citizen-to-citizen diplomacy.

It’s not just about the “where”; it’s about the “why.” We want a relationship that will grow with us, inspire both communities, and create real opportunities for connection.

Palm Springs is a unique, vibrant community, and we believe the best way to celebrate who we are is by connecting with others around the globe who share our love of culture, community, and collaboration.

So… where to next? Stay tuned as we explore possibilities, meet potential partners, and dream big. And if you’ve got a great idea or want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you!

You can connect with us by email at: hello@sistercitiesps.org. Here’s to growing our global family—one sister city at a time!

A futuristic city landscape under a blue sky ...