Elon Musk’s dream of starting his own city has finally become a reality. The news broke on Saturday when residents living near SpaceX’s rocket testing and launch site in South Texas voted to incorporate the area as a new city. The vote results were confirmed by Cameron County election officials shortly after the polls closed, revealing an overwhelming majority of early voters in favor of establishing the City of Starbase. The final count showed 212 votes in favor and only 6 opposed, making it a clear landslide victory.
Following the certification of the election results by the county, Starbase will officially become a city. Musk, who is a resident of the area, took to X to express his excitement with a single word: “S T A R B A S E.” However, despite the celebratory mood online, the actual Starbase remained quiet on Election Day. There were no fireworks or street parties, with only a small group gathering at the Astropub, a bar for SpaceX employees, late into the evening.
With only 283 eligible voters residing within the proposed city boundaries, it was evident that the majority either worked for SpaceX or supported the incorporation. The three unopposed candidates running for city leadership roles also had ties to the company. It remains uncertain whether Musk himself participated in the voting process.
The approval of the city’s formation paves the way for Musk to potentially gain more control over the nearby public beach, which is required to be closed during launches. On the day of the election, activists gathered on the beach to protest SpaceX’s impact on sensitive habitats and cultural sites. Juan Mancias, chair of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, emphasized the cultural significance of the land and the need to preserve its history.
Creating a city in Texas is not an uncommon occurrence, and Musk’s initiative to establish Starbase for his employees sets a unique precedent. The billionaire entrepreneur has expressed interest in founding another city at his corporate compound outside Austin, indicating a potential trend in his ventures. Musk and SpaceX have yet to provide a statement regarding the election results.
On the morning of the election, voters adorned in SpaceX and Starbase merchandise visited the special polling place situated on the company’s campus. While most declined to comment on the matter, one supporter highlighted the overall benefits of the new city, expressing optimism for the future.
Unlike other tech giants who established their headquarters in Silicon Valley, SpaceX’s Starbase is located on the outskirts of Texas, emphasizing its distinctiveness. The area, formerly a beach village, now houses SpaceX-owned properties, with a limited number of residents voicing opposition to the incorporation.
Musk’s vision of forming a city in the region has been ongoing for years, with a significant number of SpaceX employees advocating for the initiative. The new city is projected to have approximately 500 residents, with the incorporation expected to facilitate growth and infrastructure development.
The establishment of Starbase as a city is poised to enhance local governance and potentially lead to more lenient zoning regulations for residential construction. Starbase Manager Kathryn Lueders emphasized the importance of creating a conducive living environment for both current residents and future workers contributing to space exploration efforts.
As Starbase moves towards official city status, the focus shifts to its impact on Boca Chica Beach, located near the SpaceX launch site. The proposed increase in rocket launches could affect public access to the beach, prompting discussions on beach closure protocols and environmental concerns.
The bill advocating for the transfer of beach closure authority to Starbase city commissioners has sparked debates among local officials and community members. While SpaceX aims to streamline launch operations, critics argue for the preservation of public access and environmental conservation.
The ongoing developments in Starbase and its surrounding areas underscore the complex interplay between technological advancement, environmental preservation, and community engagement. As the city evolves, the decisions made will shape its future trajectory and relationship with the local community.
