SpaceX’s Starbase Poised to Become Texas’ Newest City

Boca Chica, Texas — SpaceX’s Starbase is on the brink of becoming the latest city in Texas. On Saturday, the 283 registered voters in this area, mostly SpaceX employees, will vote on a proposal to incorporate as a Type-C municipality, creating a small city government with a mayor and two commissioners.

For a decade, SpaceX has transformed this remote coastal area into a hub for space exploration, conducting suborbital test flights of its powerful rockets. As reported, the rapid construction and the presence of large machinery have changed the landscape significantly. Some critics express concerns that incorporation could grant SpaceX too much autonomy, potentially impacting public access to Boca Chica Beach, a beloved area for fishing.

Rene Medrano, a longtime landowner near the site, voiced worries about the future of the beach. “You know what? Let ‘em go to Mars,” he said. “But you know what, there’s people that want to go to the beach and enjoy Boca Chica Beach.”

Early voting has begun ahead of the pivotal election, reflecting the growing population of SpaceX employees in Cameron County. SpaceX has acquired significant land and employs over 3,000 people. The outcome of this vote seems likely to favor incorporation, which could benefit SpaceX amid various challenges the company faces.

While the proposed boundaries for the new city will cover less than 1.5 square miles, nearly all residential lots are owned by SpaceX or its employees. Supporters argue that becoming a city will reduce the burden on surrounding Cameron County and allow for better management of local resources. “I think more people will want to live here because why wouldn’t you want to live next to the most amazing thing that’s happening on Earth?” said Anthony Gomez, a property owner and local business operator.

Construction is also underway for a school named “Ad Astra,” translating to “to the stars” in Latin. The neighborhood offers a variety of housing options, contributing to a burgeoning community atmosphere as families begin to settle in.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. noted the complexities of governance for the proposed city, emphasizing concerns regarding Beach access and community impact. “This will be the county’s first incorporation since the 1990s,” he remarked, highlighting the historical context of company towns that previously existed around major industries.

Access to Boca Chica Beach has been a point of contention, especially as the Texas legislature considered legislation that would grant more control over beach access to the future mayor of Starbase. Despite the bill’s recent failure, Treviño cautioned that similar measures may arise again.

“This is a step forward for our economy,” he concluded, addressing the growth and job creation brought by SpaceX. “Cape Canaveral was a sleepy little community back in the early ‘60s when it was selected to be the launching site for the Apollo missions.”

As residents prepare to cast their votes, the outcome may define the relationship between a burgeoning space industry and the community that surrounds it.