Boca Chica, Texas — SpaceX’s ambitious Starbase facility, dominating the southeastern Texas landscape, is set to take a significant leap forward. The site, pivotal in the company’s efforts to develop a spacecraft capable of carrying humans to Mars, will soon vote on its bid to incorporate as a city. On Saturday, the 283 registered voters—predominantly SpaceX employees—will determine whether they want to establish a city government featuring a mayor and two city commissioners.
For over a decade, the area has transformed from a quiet coastal region into a hub of aerospace innovation, punctuated by suborbital test flights and the development of the world’s most powerful rocket. Residents, including fishermen, now navigate through a maze of construction equipment and significant infrastructure devoted to SpaceX’s objectives. However, the prospect of incorporation raises concerns among long-time locals, particularly regarding the potential for the company to exert greater control over public access to Boca Chica Beach.
Critics of SpaceX worry that becoming an independent city could grant the company undue influence, allowing it to bypass regulations and limit public access to the coastal areas that have long served the local fishing community. Rene Medrano, a local resident and landowner for over four decades, expressed apprehension about the balance between corporate ambitions and the community’s recreational needs. “People want to go to Mars, but there are also those who wish to enjoy Boca Chica Beach,” he said.
Elon Musk has advocated for this incorporation for years, hinting at it during public appearances and actively recruiting talent to populate the area. The company has acquired substantial landholdings, employing more than 3,000 people. Analysts presume the vote to favor incorporation will likely be overwhelming, a welcome outcome for Musk, who is currently facing challenges in other sectors of his business empire.
The proposed city would cover an area of less than 1.5 square miles, primarily comprising SpaceX facilities and surrounding new residential developments. Of the 247 residential lots in the area, only 10 are outside the ownership of SpaceX or its personnel, highlighting the concentration of employees among the local population. Many of these residents are newly registered voters, with nearly 95% signing up since 2021.
Supporters of the incorporation argue that establishing a city will enhance resource management, including security and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting the community. “Living next to something as groundbreaking as SpaceX should attract more residents,” claims Anthony Gomez, one of the few local property owners not affiliated with the company.
The community is in the midst of rapid development. A new $20 million K-12 school named “Ad Astra,” which means “to the stars” in Latin, is under construction. Surrounding neighborhoods feature an eclectic mix of housing options, attracting various residents and fostering an evolving community landscape.
However, the push for incorporation has not gone without pushback. Concerns also stem from the increased scrutiny from local authorities about how governance will function. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. noted that while this marks the first city incorporation in the county since the 1990s, essential questions regarding public services and meeting requirements remain largely unanswered.
Access to Boca Chica Beach, a state park known for its fishing spots, is another critical concern among residents. Currently, the beach’s only access route lies near SpaceX’s launch site, and plans to modify control over this access have raised eyebrows. Local leaders have voiced their apprehensions over legislative attempts that would allow the future Starbase mayor to regulate beach access independently of the county.
As the election approaches, tensions remain palpable. Treviño is keenly aware of the balancing act required in fostering SpaceX while safeguarding the interests of long-standing residents. “We hope for this to be a mutually beneficial relationship, akin to the transformative growth Cape Canaveral experienced in the past,” Treviño stated.
The results of Saturday’s vote will be certified by the Cameron County Commissioners Court, with potential ramifications on local governance and community dynamics. Whether residents’ fears are justified or whether the incorporation will yield economic growth remains a point of contention in this rapidly evolving landscape.