BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A new city has emerged in southern Texas, marking a significant development for SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk. Local voters decisively approved a measure on Saturday to incorporate Starbase, an area that is largely home to SpaceX employees and operations. With 212 votes in favor and just six against, the measure surpassed the required 143 votes to pass, signaling robust community support for the initiative.
Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza confirmed the overwhelming result, proclaiming, “It’s officially statistically impossible for the measure to fail.” Musk himself celebrated the milestone on social media, expressing enthusiasm about the official establishment of Starbase.
In a nod to the city’s future, a newly created X account for Starbase stated, “Becoming a city will help us continue building the best community possible for the men and women building the future of humanity’s place in space.” This optimism reflects the hopes of many residents as they embrace the changes that are expected to come with city status.
The new Starbase covers approximately 1.5 square miles near the Texas-Mexico border and serves as the backdrop for SpaceX’s headquarters, where rockets are constructed and launched. Following the vote, county commissioners will review the results over the next two weeks, after which a judge will formalize the incorporation process.
This development is particularly significant for Musk, who has recently faced scrutiny for his ties to the previous presidential administration, particularly through his role in overseeing major changes within federal agencies. Those controversies spurred protests against Musk and impacted the performance of Tesla, the electric vehicle company he leads.
The incorporation of Starbase also saw the election of its first mayor, Bobby Pedden, alongside two city commissioners, Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka. All three ran unopposed and are affiliated with SpaceX, emphasizing the close-knit nature of this burgeoning community.
While the intention behind creating the city remains somewhat opaque, speculation surrounds how municipal control could streamline regulatory processes for SpaceX. Currently, the company must navigate a series of local permissions to conduct rocket launches, which often involve highway closures and public safety measures at Boca Chica Beach. This arrangement has spurred legal complaints and protests from local activists, including environmental and indigenous groups.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino acknowledged the existing partnership between the county and SpaceX but cautioned that changes to current operational procedures might not be necessary. “If it’s not broken, it doesn’t need to be fixed,” he noted, highlighting a balance between facilitating SpaceX’s operations and maintaining public safety.
As Starbase embarks on its journey as a newly sanctioned city, it stands at the intersection of innovation and community, with many eyes watching closely to see how this transformation will shape the future of the area.