Fri May 02 12:00:00 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX’s Starbase Poised to Become Texas’ Newest City, Sparking Debate
**BOCA CHICA, Texas** – SpaceX’s Starbase, the sprawling campus for its Starship rocket program, is on the verge of becoming Texas’ newest municipality. A vote this Saturday will determine whether the 283 registered voters, primarily SpaceX employees, will incorporate as a Type-C municipality, electing a mayor and two city commissioners.
The proposed city, encompassing less than 1.5 square miles, includes SpaceX facilities and surrounding neighborhoods. While supporters say incorporation will allow Starbase to better manage its own resources and development, critics raise concerns about SpaceX’s growing power and potential to circumvent regulations.
Chief among these concerns is access to Boca Chica Beach, a popular public state park whose access point is near the launch site. Cameron County already closes the road to the beach on launch days, causing disruption for locals. A recent attempt in the Texas legislature to grant Starbase control over weekday beach access failed, but the issue remains a point of contention.
Long-time residents, like Rene Medrano, a landowner who’s lived in the area for 40 years, worry about losing access to the beach. He represents the clash between the established community and the rapid development driven by SpaceX’s ambitions.
SpaceX, which employs over 3,000 people at Starbase and plans to relocate its headquarters there, has been actively recruiting residents. The vote is expected to overwhelmingly favor incorporation. The new city will feature a new K-12 school, “Ad Astra,” and a variety of housing options.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. acknowledges the economic benefits of SpaceX’s presence but emphasizes the need to balance SpaceX’s growth with the concerns of existing residents. He highlights the delicate task of fostering economic growth while addressing concerns about regulatory oversight and public access. Others, like Jared Hockema, city manager of nearby Port Isabel, question whether the incorporation is a means to circumvent regulations.
Despite the controversy, the potential incorporation of Starbase marks a significant step for the region, transforming a remote area of South Texas into a hub for space exploration. The outcome of Saturday’s vote will significantly shape the future of Boca Chica and the relationship between SpaceX and the surrounding community.
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