Introducing Starbase: Texas’ New City and Home to Elon Musk’s SpaceX Operations

Brownsville, Texas has officially welcomed a new city: Starbase. A recent vote to incorporate a portion of South Texas into this city centered around SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, resulted in a resounding victory for the tech billionaire and his company. The measure passed with considerable support, securing 212 votes in favor and only six against, well beyond the necessary 143 votes for approval. Elon Musk celebrated this milestone on social media, announcing that “Starbase, Texas Is now a real city.”

Following the vote, an official X account for Starbase was created, emphasizing the city’s vision of fostering a supportive community for SpaceX employees who are dedicated to advancing humanity’s future in space. With the vote’s passage, Cameron County election officials will review the results within two weeks, with a judge subsequently issuing an official declaration of the city’s incorporation. Starbase spans about 1½ square miles at the southern tip of Texas, near the Mexico border. It is home to SpaceX’s headquarters, where the company manufactures rocket components and conducts launches of its Starship rocket.

This vote marks a significant win for Musk, especially amidst recent criticisms related to his involvement with the Trump administration and subsequent protests across the country. Amidst these challenges, Starbase represents a realization of Musk’s vision proposed back in 2021. The election also established the city’s first leadership, with Bobby Pedden as mayor and two city commissioners, both of whom are SpaceX employees. The city’s incorporation may streamline operational procedures for SpaceX, easing some bureaucratic hurdles they currently face when conducting tests and rocket launches.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino acknowledged that while changes may be on the horizon, existing collaboration with SpaceX has successfully maintained public safety and access.