Starbase Officially Becomes Texas' Latest Municipality

After a successful election, Starbase has transformed from a sparsely populated area in Texas into an official city, backed largely by SpaceX employees. While the move promises local governance, it has raised environmental concerns and potential tensions with surrounding counties.

Elon Musk's SpaceX company has influenced significant changes in the southern part of Texas with the recent incorporation of Starbase as a city. This officially designated municipality emerged after an overwhelming majority of voters, primarily SpaceX staff, supported the measure in a recent election. Out of 283 eligible voters, 212 favored the new city status, while only six were opposed. Following the announcement, Musk celebrated, declaring on his social media platform X, "Starbase, Texas is now a real city!"

Starbase encompasses approximately 1.6 square miles (3.9 square km) and has seen a population boost since SpaceX's land acquisitions began back in 2012. The governance structure will include a mayor and two commissioners who will oversee local matters such as planning and taxation. However, this transformation has not been without its critics; concerns about environmental degradation and the impact of SpaceX operations have been vocalized by some neighboring residents.

Inhabitants of the region, which now includes around 500 people, have noted the drastic changes brought by Musk's presence, including the development of company housing, facilities, and even whimsically named streets like Memes Street. The first mayor, Bobby Peden, a vice-president at SpaceX, will take office without any opposition, alongside two newly appointed commissioners, all with ties to the aerospace company.

Starbase will classify as a Type C city, allowing officials to impose property taxes up to 1.5%. Additionally, a pending bill in the Texas state legislature might give Starbase authority over local highway closures during significant SpaceX activities, which has previously been managed by Cameron County.

The city's initiation may spark disputes between local officials and Starbase regarding public access to Boca Chica Beach, particularly as SpaceX aims to enhance its launch frequency from five to as many as 25 yearly. Currently, Cameron County's Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. stands against the proposed bill that would grant Starbase control over this aspect.

Musk has steadily shifted his base of operations from California to Texas, citing a more favorable business environment and frustration with California politics. His companies, including Boring and X, are now located near Bastrop, close to the Texas capital of Austin. However, while the area surrounding Austin lacks significant new housing developments for SpaceX employees, Starbase has quickly transformed under Musk's influence. Environmental concerns remain pertinent, as the impact of SpaceX activities on local wildlife, light pollution, and debris has garnered criticism. In 2024, the company was fined nearly $150,000 for wastewater violations, a matter it attributed to "disagreements over paperwork" while asserting its compliance with environmental laws.