Boca Chica Village votes on Starbase city incorporation influenced by SpaceX
In a move that’s never been seen before, residents in Boca Chica Village, Texas, are heading to the polls to decide on forming a brand-new city called Starbase. This vote is getting a lot of attention as it shows just how much Elon Musk’s SpaceX is shaping the area. The election is set for a Saturday and could change the way things are run locally while also stirring up debates about environmental policies—all while catching the eye of both fans and critics.
A closer look at Boca Chica Village and what might change
Boca Chica Village, where SpaceX has a strong presence, could see some major changes if the incorporation vote goes through. The proposed Starbase would cover about 1.6 square miles (3.9 square kilometers) and is near where roughly 500 people live. Out of these, 283 residents are eligible voters, a good chunk of whom are SpaceX employees that have already voted early (a sign of early enthusiasm).
If Starbase is given the green light, it will roll out a local government with a mayor and two commissioners. Under this plan, Bobby Peden, a vice-president at SpaceX, is set to become the first mayor. Interestingly, the two commissioner spots haven’t seen any competition, which could hint at a strong alignment with SpaceX’s side of things.
What this means for local leadership and some legislative hurdles
Starbase is planned to be a Type C city, a classification used for towns with fewer than 5,000 residents. This setup lets local leaders collect a property tax of up to 1.5% to fund city services. However, not everyone is on board with this plan.
There’s a bill wrangling its way through the Texas state legislature that could give Starbase officials the power to manage local highway closures and control access to Boca Chica Beach and Boca Chica State Park during rocket launches (which are a regular occurrence now). Currently, Cameron County manages these closures. Judge Eddie Trevino Jr, the top official in Cameron County, isn’t happy about the idea, voicing concerns that shifting control might mess with public access and safety.
Concerns about the environment and responses from the community
The idea of forming Starbase has also sparked worries about the environment. Some local residents and advocacy groups say that SpaceX’s activities have led to more light pollution and have hurt nearby wildlife habitats. In 2024, SpaceX was fined nearly $150,000 by both the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for issues related to wastewater dumping violations (SpaceX claims these fines were just due to “disagreements over paperwork,” but many environmental groups aren’t convinced that’s the whole story).
Elon Musk’s moves in Texas
Elon Musk’s reach goes beyond Boca Chica Village. He’s been shifting operations from California to Texas, drawn by friendlier regulations and a political climate he likes. His companies for X and Boring have set up headquarters near Bastrop, Texas, though there’s been only a modest push to build new housing for workers in that region.
Musk’s influence is apparent all over Boca Chica. You’ll find fun spots like Memes Street and even a giant bust of Musk (although it’s been vandalized) that show just how much of a mark he’s left on the local culture. Since 2012, SpaceX facilities along with company housing have steadily cropped up in this fast-growing hub.
What the future might hold amid ongoing debates
As the vote gets closer, there’s a lot of tension between county officials and the soon-to-be Starbase leaders over managing access around Boca Chica Beach during rocket launches. With SpaceX expecting to ramp up launches from five a year to as many as twenty-five, these debates are heating up.
This decision is set to change things not just for people living in and around Boca Chica, but it also serves as a clear sign of how companies like SpaceX are reshaping local communities through efforts like these municipal incorporation moves—a real-life example of how tech companies are now a part of everyday life all across the United States.