Starbase Gets Closer to Becoming a City: A Dream of Elon Musk Takes Shape

A Texas county is one step closer to making Starbase an official city, thanks to an upcoming election that will allow its residents to decide on the matter. The election, set for May 3, will give the people living near SpaceX’s Starbase facility the opportunity to vote on whether to create a new town centered around the company’s launch endeavors.

A Proposal First Pitched by Elon Musk in 2021

This development comes after SpaceX’s founder and CEO, Elon Musk, first proposed the idea of a Starbase city in 2021. Since then, the company has been steadily setting up shop in Cameron County, Texas, and has been making significant investments in the area. A decision in Musk’s favor would not only boost his ego but also pose potential downsides, including the potential harm to the area.

A Petition for the People

In December 2024, over 70 county residents submitted a petition to request an election regarding the decision to make Starbase its own municipality. While most of the residents who signed the petition were SpaceX employees, the company’s influence is undeniable. Musk even celebrated the petition by announcing that SpaceX HQ would now officially be located in the city of Starbase, Texas.

A judge’s Verdict

A Cameron County judge reviewed the petition and found that it met the state’s requirement to hold a vote. If the election passes, Starbase would become the newest town in Cameron County since Los Indios in 1995.

A Growing Workforce and Economic Investment

A report issued by the judge’s office in June stated that more than 3,400 SpaceX employees and contractors have set up shop around the base in the past few years. SpaceX has also announced plans to open a $15 million shopping center and restaurant, highlighting the company’s commitment to growing the local workforce and economy.

Environmental Concerns Linger

However, not everyone is optimistic about the proposal. Local environmental groups have long argued that SpaceX violates environmental regulations with its rocket launches. In July 2024, these groups filed a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration, alleging that it rushed SpaceX’s Starship permitting process without adequate environmental review or mitigation requirements. SpaceX is also facing fines of almost $150,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly illegally dumping pollutants into a Texas waterway without a permit.

The Petition: A Double-Edged Sword

The petition has made Starbase sound like a utopia for rockets, but the repercussions of SpaceX’s actions could turn it into a headache. The decision to establish a flourishing company town could harm the area, and local residents should carefully consider the potential downsides before making their decision.