South Texas gives approval to the creation of SpaceX’s new city, Starbase

A visitor photographs a large bust of Elon Musk near SpaceX’s Starbase as the Starship is prepared for a test flight in Boca Chica, Texas, in March. ERIC GAY/AP FILE

The South Texas site Elon Musk and his SpaceX rocket company has been vying for has been approved to become an official city with the galactic name, “Starbase.”

A vote to formally organize Starbase as a city was approved over the weekend by a small group of voters who live in the area — most of whom are already Musk employees at SpaceX.

The vote tally came out to 212-6 in favor, according to results published by the Cameron County Elections Department.

Musk took to social media to celebrate the victory, saying the site is “now a real city!”

SpaceX has generally garnered support from local officials for its job opportunity and investment in the area.

However, the creation of an official company town has drawn critics who worry it will expand Musk’s control over the area, with the potential to close a popular beach and state park for launch purposes.

Companion efforts to the city vote include bills in the state Legislature to shift authority from the county to the new town’s mayor and city council.

These measures come as SpaceX is seeking to increase the number of South Texas launches from five to 25 a year.

“We need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders wrote to local officials in 2024 in the request to get the city issue on the ballot.

The letter also said the company already manages roads and utilities as well as “the provisions of schooling and medical care” for those living on the property.

SpaceX officials have told lawmakers that granting the city authority to close the beach would streamline launch operations. Doing so would require closing a local highway and access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach.

Critics say beach closure authority should stay with the county government, which represents a broader population that uses the beach and park. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. has said the county has worked well with SpaceX and there is no need for change.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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