McALLEN, Texas (AP) — The South Texas home of Elon Musk ’s SpaceX rocket company is now an official city with a galactic name: Starbase.
On Saturday, a ballot to incorporate Starbase as a city passed with an overwhelming majority among the limited number of residents living there, most of whom work for Musk at SpaceX. According to data posted online by the Cameron County Elections Department, the final count stood at 212 votes in support versus just six opposed.
Musk jubilantly posted on X, declaring "It has now become an actual city!"
The Starbase serves as both the base camp and launching ground for SpaceX’s rocket initiatives. Currently under agreement with the Department of Defense and NASA, this facility aims to facilitate missions sending humans back to the moon and eventually to Mars.
In 2021, Musk initially proposed the concept of Starbase, with approval for the new town virtually guaranteed. Out of the 283 registered voters in the region, many are thought to be employees at Starbase.
The electoral win held personal significance for Musk. Since adopting the role of the chain-saw-wielding public figurehead associated with President, his popularity among people has waned considerably due to his status as a billionaire. Donald Trump ’s federal job and spending cuts, and profits at his Tesla car company have plummeted.
SpaceX has typically garnered broad backing from local authorities for its jobs and investment in the region.
However, the establishment of a company town has attracted criticism from those concerned about it potentially increasing Musk’s influence over the region, giving him possible power to shut down a well-liked beach and state park for launch purposes.
Efforts supporting the city vote also encompass legislation in the state assembly aimed at transferring that power from the county to the newly formed town’s mayor and city council.
All these steps have been taken as SpaceX is seeking approval from federal agencies to boost the number of satellites it can launch over South Texas Launches range from five to 25 per year.
The city located at the southernmost part of Texas close to the Mexico The border spans roughly 1.5 square miles, traversed by several roads and dotted with Airstream trailers and simple mid-century houses.
SpaceX authorities have remained tight-lipped regarding their exact reasons for desiring a company town and did not reply to email inquiries seeking comments.
“Expanding Starbase as a community is something we need to focus on,” Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders told local authorities in 2024 when asking them to put the city initiative on the ballot.
The message indicated that the firm is already responsible for overseeing roads and utilities along with providing education and healthcare services to residents on the premises.
SpaceX officials have told lawmakers that granting the city authority to close the beach would streamline launch operations. SpaceX rocket launches and engine tests, and even just moving certain equipment around the launch base, require the closure of a local highway and access to Boca Chica State Park and Boca Chica Beach.
Critics say beach closure authority should stay with the county government, which represents a broader population that uses the beach and park. Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. has said the county has worked well with SpaceX and there is no need for change.
Another proposed bill would make it a Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days in jail if someone doesn’t comply with an order to evacuate the beach.
The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, which has organized protests against the city vote and the beach access issue, held another demonstration Saturday that attracted dozens of people.
Josette Hinojosa, whose young daughter was building a sandcastle nearby, said she was taking part to try to ensure continued access to a beach her family has enjoyed for generations.
Hinojosa mentioned with regard to SpaceX, "There are days when it's not open, and sometimes you end up being denied entry."
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Christopher Basaldu, an organizer who belongs to the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas, mentioned that his forebears have resided in the region for generations, precisely at the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Gulf.
“He stated, ‘It’s not only crucial, but it’s sacred.’”
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