Coachella Valley Cities Receive Perfect Score on 2024 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index

COACHELLA VALLEY — Four cities — Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Palm Springs —have each achieved a perfect score of 100 on the 2024 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), a comprehensive evaluation of municipal laws, policies, and services that promote equality for LGBTQ+ residents and visitors.

In Palm Desert, it was hailed as a significant victory.

“This landmark achievement reflects Palm Desert’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, equality, and respect for all members of the community,” “according to a city-issued statement. The MEI assesses cities based on factors such as non-discrimination protections, inclusive employment practices, equitable municipal services, fair law enforcement policies, and city leadership’s public commitment to LGBTQ+ equality. Palm Desert is one of 130 cities nationwide to achieve a perfect score on the 2024 MEI. While celebrating this milestone, city officials emphasize that the work of equality is never finished.

“Our perfect score on the MEI is not just a number—it’s a testament to our city’s dedication to ensuring that everyone feels safe, supported, and valued here in Palm Desert,” City Manager Todd Hileman said in a statement. “Palm Desert remains committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and compassion.”

“This perfect score is not by accident,” said Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles. “Our city leadership and staff work hard every day to make sure every resident, employee, and visitor, regardless of who they love, feel safe, welcome, included, and are treated with dignity.”

The MEI provides a public snapshot of how committed a given city or town is to LGBTQ+ equality.

“Palm Springs prides itself on being one of the most inclusive and welcoming communities in the nation,” said Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein. “This is especially important during a time when so many in our LGBTQ+ community are concerned about the future.”

For more information about the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index and Palm Desert’s score, visit https://www.hrc.org/resources/municipal-equality-index.

Image Sources

  • Equality: Pexels