Before he bought Twitter, Musk tweeted on the platform back in March, 2021, that he was “Creating the city of Starbase, Texas“. Four years later, it’s becoming a reality after an election approved the decision.
SpaceX originally began purchasing land near Boca Chica Beach in Cameron County in South Texas near Brownsville back in 2012. Now, it covers 1.6 square miles and operates as a SpaceX Starship production, testing, and launch facility.
This past Saturday, eligible residents in the area – largely consisting of SpaceX employees – voted to approve the new municipality at 212 votes in favor to six opposed.
“Starbase, Texas,” Musk posted on X. “Is now a real city!”
As a Type C city – with a municipality of less than 5,000 residents – Starbase’s local government will consist of a mayor, SpaceX vice-president, Bobby Peden – who ran unopposed – along with two commissioners – also with SpaceX ties, according to BBC – who will oversee taxation, planning, and local functions.
The designation as a city would give official the authority to pass local ordinances. A bill is presently underway that, if passed, would allow SpaceX to close roads and limit Boca Chica Beach access during test launches according to the Associated Press.
The present population of Starbase is a little more than 500 people.
Along with houses, facilities, and the like emerging over the years since SpaceX first landed in the area, Starbase now features a number of quirks you might expect from the eccentric billionaire. On the outer rim of the city, is a large bust of Elon Musk that features a plaque reading “ELON AKA Memelord”. One of the area’s main streets is named Memes St.
Starbase also features an employee-only restaurant on the grounds called “Astropub” that brandishes a neon sign behind the bar reading “Occupy Mars”.
Many have been opposed to Elon Musk’s Texas city, on environment, legal, and community grounds.
Environmental groups have raised alarms over the site’s proximity to protected ecosystems, arguing that rocket launches and debris pose serious threats to endangered species and fragile habitats.
The frequent road closures also limit access to wildlife refuges and interfere with ecological research. Legally, opponents argue that SpaceX has bypassed or rushed regulatory processes, particularly environmental reviews, and expanded operations beyond the scope initially approved.
Lawsuits have been filed over the lack of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement, as required by federal law. On the community front, residents of nearby Boca Chica Village have voiced concern on the company’s ability to limit public beach access.
Ethically, critics question whether it’s acceptable for a private company to exert such influence over a small community and ecologically sensitive area.