Starbase Secures City Status: SpaceX Site Officially Incorporated
Starbase, the South Texas site operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially become a city following a local vote on Saturday. According to a report by the BBC, 212 residents voted in favor of incorporation under the name "Starbase," while only 6 opposed. The area, comprising around 1.6 square miles, had a total of 283 registered voters—most of whom are SpaceX employees.
The newly incorporated city will now have a mayor and two commissioners, who will oversee planning, taxation, and various local matters. SpaceX Vice President Bobby Peden has been elected unopposed as the first mayor of Starbase.
With city status, the new municipality will have the authority to levy a property tax of up to 1.5%. However, nearby residents and environmental advocates have voiced strong opposition to the development, citing concerns that SpaceX’s operations are damaging the local environment. They also argue that restricting access to Boca Chica Beach, as proposed, would undermine public interest.
A bill under consideration in the Texas legislature could further empower Starbase officials to close public roads and beaches during rocket launches—powers that currently reside with Cameron County.
