In an electrifying move, the southern tip of Texas has officially become a city called Starbase, courtesy of Elon Musk’s vision and the approval of local residents. This remarkable feat marks a significant milestone not only for SpaceX but also for private urban development in general.
On Saturday, 283 eligible voters, mostly SpaceX employees, cast their ballots in an election that saw an overwhelming majority (212 votes) favor incorporating the area as a new municipality. The result was announced by Cameron County, with Elon Musk himself celebrating on his social media platform X: “Starbase, Texas is now a real city!”
The newly formed city covers approximately 1.6 square miles of land, which was previously sparsely populated before SpaceX began acquiring properties in the area back in 2012. Starbase’s government will comprise a mayor and two commissioners, who will be responsible for planning, taxation, and other local matters.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the development. Some nearby residents have expressed concerns over the environmental impact of SpaceX’s activities, citing increased light pollution, littered debris from rocket launches, and harm to local wildlife. In 2024, the company was fined nearly $150,000 for dumping waste water, an incident that has sparked further debate.
Despite these criticisms, Starbase is poised to become a model for private urban development, with SpaceX’s influence evident in the area’s transformation. The city already boasts a range of amenities catering to its residents, including company housing and facilities, as well as a road named Memes Street – a testament to Elon Musk’s playful personality. A giant bust of the billionaire himself has also been erected, although it was recently vandalized.
As the first mayor of Starbase, Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president, will take office alongside two other residents with ties to the company who will fill the commissioner seats. With its new city status, Starbase is now classified as a Type C municipality, allowing for property taxes up to 1.5% and paving the way for further autonomy.
The Texas state legislature has also proposed a bill that would grant Starbase officials the authority to close local highways and limit access to nearby Boca Chica Beach and State Park during rocket launches and other company activities. This move could lead to potential conflicts with Cameron County, which currently manages closures around SpaceX events.
Elon Musk’s decision to relocate many of his operations from California to Texas has been well-documented, citing more favorable regulatory environments and a departure from the state’s Democratic Party-dominated politics. The success of Starbase may inspire other entrepreneurs to follow suit, potentially reshaping the urban landscape across the United States.
As the world watches this new chapter unfold in Texas, one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s vision for Starbase has become a reality, marking a significant milestone in private urbanization and setting the stage for further innovation and growth.
Sourced from https://www.bbc.com/