SpaceX's Starbase Officially Recognized As New City In Texas

In a landmark decision, the South Texas home of SpaceX has been officially recognized as a new city named Starbase. The vote, which took place on Saturday, saw a resounding majority of voters, primarily SpaceX employees, approve the measure. The final count was 212 in favor and 6 against, as reported by the Cameron County Elections Department. Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, celebrated the outcome on his social media platform, X, stating, “It is now a real city!”

Starbase serves as the primary facility and launch site for SpaceX’s ambitious rocket program, which is under contract with both the Department of Defense and NASA. The program’s ultimate goals include sending astronauts back to the moon and eventually to Mars. Musk first proposed the idea of Starbase in 2021, and its approval was widely anticipated given that the majority of eligible voters in the area are believed to be SpaceX employees.

The creation of Starbase as an official city marks a significant personal victory for Musk, whose popularity has fluctuated in recent years. Despite this, SpaceX has garnered widespread support from local officials for its contributions to job creation and investment in the area. However, the move has also sparked criticism from those concerned about Musk’s expanding personal control over the region. Critics worry that the new city could potentially close a popular beach and state park for launches.

Companion efforts to the city vote include bills in the state Legislature aimed at transferring authority from the county to the new town’s mayor and city council. These measures come as SpaceX seeks federal permission to increase the number of South Texas launches from five to 25 a year. The city, located at the southern tip of Texas near the Mexico border, spans approximately 1.5 square miles and is characterized by a few roads, airstream trailers, and modest midcentury homes.

SpaceX officials have been relatively quiet about the reasons behind their desire for a company town, but Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders wrote to local officials in 2024, stating that the company needs the ability to grow Starbase as a community. The letter highlighted that SpaceX already manages roads, utilities, and provisions for schooling and medical care for those living on the property. SpaceX officials have also argued that granting the city authority to close the beach would streamline launch operations, as rocket launches, engine tests, and equipment movement require the closure of a local highway and access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach.

Critics, however, contend that beach closure authority should remain with the county government, which represents a broader population that uses the beach and park. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. has expressed that the county has worked well with SpaceX and sees no need for change. Another proposed bill would make it a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, for non-compliance with an order to evacuate the beach.

The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, which has organized protests against the city vote and the beach access issue, held another demonstration on Saturday, attracting dozens of participants. Josette Hinojosa, whose young daughter was building a sandcastle nearby, joined the protest to ensure continued access to a beach her family has enjoyed for generations. Organizer Christopher Basaldú, a member of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas tribe, emphasized the sacred significance of the area, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, to his ancestors.