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4mo ago

SpaceX's Starbase City Vote Nears Completion with Expected Approval

Early voting suggests SpaceX-affiliated residents will overwhelmingly approve the incorporation of Starbase, while a related state bill to transfer beach closure authority was recently defeated.

A dog keeps watch in Boca Chica ahead of a planned SpaceX launch in March 2024.
A sign supporting SpaceX stands against the backdrop of Starship at Boca Chica Beach early this year. Residents of Starbase are voting this week on a plan to make it an official city.
Houses in Memes Street in Boca Chica village, a company town for SpaceX employees, is seen in January.

Overview

  • The proposed city of Starbase, encompassing SpaceX's South Texas facilities, is set for a decisive incorporation vote on Saturday, with early ballots showing a strong majority in favor.
  • Nearly 200 of 283 eligible voters, most connected to SpaceX, have already cast early ballots, making approval of the measure highly likely.
  • The Texas House recently rejected a bill that would have shifted beach and road closure authority from Cameron County to the proposed city, a setback for SpaceX's operational plans.
  • Local officials and environmental activists have voiced concerns about public access to Boca Chica Beach, known as the 'poor people's beach,' and the implications of corporate governance over public resources.
  • If approved, Starbase will elect its first city officials, all of whom are SpaceX employees, and begin establishing municipal services for the 1.45-square-mile area.