Elon Musk’s SpaceX Operations Officially Form New City Named Starbase in Texas After Voter Approval

Elon Musk’s SpaceX operations on the southern tip of Texas have officially become the city of Starbase.

On Saturday, residents voted to incorporate a 1.6 square mile area, which had previously been sparsely populated, with SpaceX purchasing land since 2012. Of the 283 eligible voters, primarily SpaceX employees, 212 supported the measure, while six opposed it. Musk shared the news on his platform Twitter, proclaiming, “Starbase, Texas is now a real city!”

Starbase, Texas

Is now a real city!

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 4, 2025

Starbase will be governed by a mayor and two commissioners responsible for planning, taxation, and local issues. However, some residents have voiced concerns, accusing the company of damaging the local environment. Since SpaceX’s arrival, the area has seen the construction of company housing, facilities, and even Musk’s residence, along with a road named Memes Street and a giant bust of Musk.

The first mayor, Bobby Peden, a SpaceX vice-president, was elected unopposed, as were two other residents with SpaceX ties for the commissioner positions. Starbase is classified as a Type C city, with fewer than 5,000 people, and will be able to impose a property tax of up to 1.5%. A state bill currently in the legislature could grant Starbase the power to close highways and limit access to nearby Boca Chica Beach during SpaceX launches.

Environmental activists have criticized SpaceX’s impact on the area, citing pollution and waste concerns. In 2024, SpaceX was fined nearly $150,000 for wastewater dumping, though it disputes the charges.