Residents of Boca Chica Village, a small, unincorporated area in South Texas, voted overwhelmingly to incorporate as the new city of Starbase, home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The vote, held on Saturday, saw 173 votes in favor of incorporation and only 4 against, easily surpassing the 143 votes needed for approval. This marks a significant victory for Musk and his ambitious space exploration company.
The outcome was largely expected, given that a substantial majority of the 283 eligible voters—over 3 out of 5—are employed by SpaceX itself. Most residents cast their ballots early, according to county records. Cameron County Elections Administrator Remi Garza confirmed the results, stating that it was “statistically impossible” for the measure to fail. Musk himself celebrated the news on X (formerly Twitter), proclaiming, “Starbase, Texas…Is now a real city!”
This incorporation allows the residents to elect their own local government, complete with a mayor and commissioners, responsible for local planning, taxation, and other municipal affairs. SpaceX’s Vice President of Texas Test and Launch Operations, Bobby Peden, is running unopposed for mayor. Peden, a 36-year-old engineer, has been with SpaceX since 2013.
The newly incorporated Starbase encompasses approximately 1.5 square miles, an area largely owned by SpaceX, which has had a presence in the region since 2012. A bust of Elon Musk himself stands at the entrance to the neighborhood, a testament to the company’s significant influence in the area.
However, the establishment of Starbase is not without its controversy. Environmental groups, such as The South Texas Environmental Justice Network, have voiced concerns about SpaceX’s environmental impact, citing water contamination, habitat destruction, and risks to wildlife posed by rocket launches. They also criticize the repeated closures of public access to Boca Chica Beach, a previously vital space for local fishing families and the Carrizo/Comecrudo tribe.
These concerns come amidst Musk’s high-profile role in the Trump administration, where he headed the controversial Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). Musk is expected to reduce his hours with the DOGE this month to focus more on his businesses, following a recent downturn in Tesla’s profits. The future of Starbase, and its balance between economic growth and environmental protection, remains to be seen.
