Mecca and North Shore Seek More Climate Funding: Solar Batteries and Resilience Center Await 2027 Decision

MECCA / NORTH SHORE, Riverside County — October 27, 2026. Riverside County has submitted a new application seeking to turn years of climate-resilience planning into construction and household improvements in the eastern Coachella Valley. Its Transformative Climate Communities Round 6 application was filed September 30, 2026, the county’s public project page confirms.

The two projects in the new application

The county identifies residential solar panels and battery energy-storage systems and a North Shore Climate Resilience Center as the two principal projects it hopes to implement with new funding. The center could support community programs and resilience needs, while household batteries can help with electricity needs under suitable conditions. Specific eligibility, engineering, equipment and operating plans still depend on approved designs and financing.

The application is not a grant award. Riverside County says technical review is expected during winter 2026 and early 2027. State reviewers are scheduled to present recommendations on April 28, 2027, with award decisions anticipated in spring 2027.

What has already been funded?

On August 1, 2024, the state Strategic Growth Council approved a $4,018,788.45 project-development grant for the Mecca and North Shore Climate Resiliency Plan. That earlier funding was for planning, community engagement, engineering and related predevelopment work. It should not be reported as the amount approved for the September 2026 construction application.

The county says partners assessed the solar readiness of 50 properties, including roof, shade and electrical questions, and that three paid interns were recruited and trained. Other partners advanced the resilience-center design, explored microgrid options and prepared active-transportation documents.

Why residents should track the 2027 decision

Community members can ask which households would qualify first, whether installations will require ownership of the roof, who would maintain batteries, and what public services the center would provide. Questions about the center’s accessibility, cooling, emergency operations and operating budget deserve answers before opening dates are advertised.

Riverside County’s stakeholder committee has held meetings with English and Spanish community materials. Future sessions can offer a route for residents to shape the implementation if an award is made.

Primary source: Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions — grant submission, costs, progress and decision calendar. For the shoreline’s wider needs, read California58’s Salton Sea investigation and follow Mecca News.

Editor’s note: This report does not imply the Round 6 application has been funded or that a resilience center or new household systems have been completed.

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