Elon Musk’s dream of turning his Texas launch site into a fully-fledged city has officially become reality. After years of speculation and quiet developments, residents have voted to incorporate “Starbase” as an official city in Cameron County, Texas.
In a local election held Saturday, 212 out of 283 eligible voters—most of whom are SpaceX employees—voted in favor of the proposal, while only six opposed it. Shortly after the results were announced, Musk took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news, writing, “Starbase, Texas is now a real city!”
The newly incorporated Starbase spans roughly 1.6 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) in a previously underpopulated part of southern Texas near Boca Chica Beach. SpaceX began purchasing land in the area as early as 2012, gradually building out its operations, facilities, and even housing for employees. Over the years, it’s evolved from a remote coastal region to a bustling private spaceport—and now, a city.
Leading the newly formed municipality is Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president who ran unopposed for mayor. Two other SpaceX-linked candidates were also elected as city commissioners, effectively placing local governance in the hands of the company’s inner circle. Starbase will function as a Type C city, a Texas classification for towns with fewer than 5,000 residents. This designation allows the new government to impose a property tax of up to 1.5% and oversee city planning, taxation, and local ordinances.
However, not everyone is celebrating. Some nearby residents and environmental groups have raised serious concerns. Critics argue that SpaceX’s expansion has damaged local ecosystems, disrupted access to Boca Chica Beach, and contributed to pollution and debris.
In 2024, the company was fined nearly $150,000 by the EPA and Texas environmental officials for improper wastewater disposal. SpaceX downplayed the incident, calling it a “paperwork disagreement,” and insists it complies with all environmental regulations.
There’s also political tension brewing. A Texas bill currently under review could give Starbase officials the authority to restrict access to surrounding public areas like the beach and nearby highway during rocket launches.
Currently, such closures are managed by Cameron County. Local judge Eddie Treviño Jr. has voiced opposition to the bill, warning it could set a dangerous precedent by giving a private company too much control over public lands.
Elon Musk’s decision to move several of his businesses from California to Texas—including X (formerly Twitter) and The Boring Company—is seen by many as part of a broader shift toward more business-friendly regulations and less political friction. Starbase, now officially a city, is poised to become the beating heart of Musk’s space ambitions.
With SpaceX planning to ramp up rocket launches from five to 25 per year at the site, Starbase’s future may dramatically reshape not just the area—but how space exploration integrates with urban development.
