Elon Musk's ambitious SpaceX operations in southern Texas have culminated in the official designation of Starbase as a city. In a recent election, the local community decisively voted for incorporation, with 212 out of 283 eligible voters, predominantly SpaceX employees, supporting the move. Musk celebrated the achievement on social media, declaring, "Starbase, Texas is now a real city!"
Covering approximately 1.6 square miles, this territory was largely uninhabited prior to SpaceX's land acquisitions that began in 2012. The city will function under a governance structure that includes a mayor and two commissioners responsible for local affairs such as planning and taxation. However, there is opposition from some nearby residents, who fear negative environmental impacts tied to SpaceX developments.
Since the advent of SpaceX, housing developments and various facilities have emerged in the area, alongside a unique road named "Memes Street" and a statue of Musk that recently faced vandalism. Current estimates suggest around 500 people reside in close proximity to Starbase. The pathway to cityhood was initiated through a petition submitted in December 2024, setting the stage for this latest vote.
Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president, has been elected as the first mayor, with no challengers for his position or the two commissioner roles also connected to SpaceX. Starbase has been categorized as a Type C city, which allows it to implement a property tax of up to 1.5%, as outlined by the Texas Municipal League.
Pending legislation in Texas could potentially grant Starbase authorities control over highway closures, impacting access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park during rocket launches. Currently, such closures are managed by Cameron County, which encompasses the neighboring city of Brownsville and South Padre Island.
SpaceX regularly conducts launches from its Starbase location, but it faces criticism from environmental advocates who claim that the company's activities have affected local wildlife and increased light pollution and litter. Last year, the company incurred fines totaling nearly $150,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for wastewater violations, which SpaceX attributed to "disagreements over paperwork."
In contrast to Starbase’s rapid growth, Musk's other ventures around Austin have not seen significant housing developments for employees, resulting in them living in Bastrop and other nearby locales. As developments continue, the local community grapples with the balance between growth and environmental stewardship amid Musk's expanding Texas business empire.
Covering approximately 1.6 square miles, this territory was largely uninhabited prior to SpaceX's land acquisitions that began in 2012. The city will function under a governance structure that includes a mayor and two commissioners responsible for local affairs such as planning and taxation. However, there is opposition from some nearby residents, who fear negative environmental impacts tied to SpaceX developments.
Since the advent of SpaceX, housing developments and various facilities have emerged in the area, alongside a unique road named "Memes Street" and a statue of Musk that recently faced vandalism. Current estimates suggest around 500 people reside in close proximity to Starbase. The pathway to cityhood was initiated through a petition submitted in December 2024, setting the stage for this latest vote.
Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president, has been elected as the first mayor, with no challengers for his position or the two commissioner roles also connected to SpaceX. Starbase has been categorized as a Type C city, which allows it to implement a property tax of up to 1.5%, as outlined by the Texas Municipal League.
Pending legislation in Texas could potentially grant Starbase authorities control over highway closures, impacting access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park during rocket launches. Currently, such closures are managed by Cameron County, which encompasses the neighboring city of Brownsville and South Padre Island.
SpaceX regularly conducts launches from its Starbase location, but it faces criticism from environmental advocates who claim that the company's activities have affected local wildlife and increased light pollution and litter. Last year, the company incurred fines totaling nearly $150,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for wastewater violations, which SpaceX attributed to "disagreements over paperwork."
In contrast to Starbase’s rapid growth, Musk's other ventures around Austin have not seen significant housing developments for employees, resulting in them living in Bastrop and other nearby locales. As developments continue, the local community grapples with the balance between growth and environmental stewardship amid Musk's expanding Texas business empire.
