Fri Dec 13 10:57:24 UTC 2024: ## SpaceX Seeks to Establish “Starbase” City in Texas

**BROWNSVILLE, TX –** SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer founded by Elon Musk, has formally petitioned Cameron County, Texas, to incorporate its Starbase facility near Boca Chica into a new city. The request, submitted on December 11th, comes after years of speculation and follows a 2021 social media post by Musk hinting at the idea.

The petition, authored by Starbase general manager Kathryn Lueders, cites the need to support the growing workforce at the site, which currently employs over 3,500 SpaceX employees and contractors. Lueders argues that city incorporation will streamline the process of building necessary amenities to transform the area into a “world-class place to live,” essential for attracting and retaining talent required for the rapid development and production of Starship, SpaceX’s next-generation rocket system.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. confirmed receipt of the petition, stating that while discussions regarding incorporation have occurred previously, this is the first official filing. The county will now review the petition to ensure compliance with all legal requirements before proceeding.

Starbase, the primary location for Starship development and testing, has seen significant expansion in recent years, including the construction of a large manufacturing facility known as Starfactory. The site’s economic impact is considerable, with a 2024 report indicating the creation of over 3,000 jobs.

SpaceX has yet to publicly comment on the petition. The outcome of the county’s review will determine whether Starbase will become the newest city in the Rio Grande Valley.

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