SpaceX Employees Vote to Create New City 'Starbase' in Texas, Putting Local Controls in Musk's Hands

Elon Musk, already a titan in the tech and space industries, can now boast the addition of "city founder" to his impressive résumé. Residents near SpaceX’s complex in South Texas recently voted to incorporate the area as "Starbase," marking a significant shift in local governance and cementing SpaceX's influence over the region. The incorporation, approved by a near-unanimous vote of 212 in favor and just 6 against, transforms the previously known Boca Chica into a 1.5-square-mile city dominated by SpaceX. The area, once a sleepy coastal village, has seen rapid development over the last seven years, driven by SpaceX's ambitious plans for its Starship program, which aims to send humans to Mars. Today, the zone is home to SpaceX’s launch sites and test facilities, reflecting a major transformation from a natural beach setting to an industrial hub. The city’s first elected officials, all current or former SpaceX employees who ran unopposed, will take over local controls such as zoning regulations and building permits. Bobby Peden, SpaceX’s Vice President of Texas Test & Launch, received 216 votes to become Starbase's inaugural mayor. This shift allows SpaceX to manage critical infrastructure and development without interference from Cameron County. However, the incorporation comes with its share of challenges, particularly in terms of housing. With hundreds of SpaceX workers looking to relocate for the Starship project, there is a significant shortage of affordable and available homes in the area. Only about 500 people, primarily the families of 260 SpaceX employees, currently reside on-site. The majority of the 3,100-strong workforce commutes daily from nearby towns, including Brownsville, which has installed a nine-foot-tall golden bust of Musk along the road leading to the SpaceX facility. SpaceX's efforts to reshape the area have not been universally welcomed. The company previously attempted to buy out local residents, claiming the area was no longer safe for habitation. While many accepted the buyout, a few chose to remain. Activists from the South Texas Environmental Justice Network have also voiced strong opposition, holding protests and urging state representatives to intervene. Their primary concern is the preservation of public access to Boca Chica Beach, a site with deep cultural and spiritual significance for local communities, including the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe. Despite the resistance, the vote solidifies SpaceX’s control over the land, further aligning local governance with the company’s needs and aspirations. Musk’s vision for Mars is increasingly becoming a reality, with each step in the development of Starbase bringing the ambitious project closer to fruition. Industry insiders and observers have noted the unprecedented nature of this move. They see it as a strategic play by SpaceX to streamline operations and minimize bureaucratic hurdles, which could significantly benefit the Starship program’s progress. However, concerns about corporate overreach and the impact on local communities persist, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. The creation of Starbase underscores SpaceX's commitment to its Mars mission and demonstrates Musk's influence in shaping both the physical and political landscapes of South Texas.