Starbase Incorporation Approved by Voters

According to an election official, the early voting tally on Saturday night overwhelmingly surpassed the threshold necessary to approve Starbase's incorporation.

Community Support for Starbase

Residents in a South Texas locality, which functions as the focal point for Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, cast their votes on Saturday, opting to formally establish the city. This development aligns with one of Musk's longstanding aspirations.

As polling stations closed at 7 p.m., reports from Cameron County, which supervised the election, indicated that 173 of the 177 votes favored Starbase’s incorporation.

Remi Garza, the elections administrator for Cameron County, noted that there are 283 registered voters. Around 40 votes still required tabulation, but the initial results clearly upheld the majority required for incorporation.

Origins and Expansion of SpaceX

Known locally as Boca Chica, this community extends over 1.5 square miles and is positioned near the Mexican border.

SpaceX has been developing this area, which has since evolved into their primary headquarters and launch venue. It is also home to many of its workers.

Elon Musk has frequently referred to this locale as Starbase on social media channels over a dozen times.

Living Arrangements and Future Plans

In June 2021, Musk shared on social media that his main residence is a roughly $50,000 house in Boca Chica/Starbase, which he rents from SpaceX, describing it as quite remarkable.

In December, local residents near SpaceX's offices and launch site petitioned to officially recognize the city of Starbase, Texas.

Community Overview

A petition indicated that there are approximately 500 individuals inhabiting the area, among them, no fewer than 219 primary dwellers and over 100 children. Most are tenants employed by SpaceX.

Impact of Incorporation

The potential for Starbase to create its own police and fire services is on the table, yet it remains a choice rather than an obligation.

Alan Bojorquez, an attorney based in Austin specializing in municipal incorporation, explains that cities are mandated by law to perform very few compulsory actions.

Road upkeep, a significant logistical concern, would cease to be a county matter. As an incorporated city, Starbase could qualify for state and federal funding, possess some legal immunities, and have the authority to acquire property through condemnation.