The South Texas location that Elon Musk and his company SpaceX have been developing is now officially designated as a city, named “Starbase.”
Over the weekend, residents of the area—primarily SpaceX employees—voted to formally incorporate Starbase as a municipality. According to results from the Cameron County Elections Department, the measure passed with 212 votes in favor and just 6 opposed, reports the National News Desk.
Following the announcement, Musk expressed his excitement on social media, declaring the location is “now a real city!”
While SpaceX has largely received backing from local leaders due to the jobs and investments it has brought to the region, opponents argue that such a move could expand Musk’s influence. Specifically, there is concern that Musk and the company would have the power to limit public access to a well-loved beach and state park in order to facilitate rocket launches.
Alongside the city vote, proposed legislation in the Texas Legislature would transfer certain authorities from Cameron County to the newly formed city’s mayor and council.
“We need the ability to grow Starbase as a community,” wrote Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders in a 2024 letter to local officials requesting that the incorporation question be added to the ballot. SpaceX aims to significantly ramp up launch activity from the area, increasing from five launches annually to 25.
Company representatives have told state lawmakers that granting the city the authority to temporarily restrict access to the beach would enhance the efficiency of launch operations. Such closures would also affect a local highway and public access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, Jr. has stated the county maintains a productive relationship with SpaceX and sees no need to alter the current arrangement.
