Local Officials to Review the Request and Host an Election for Residents

SpaceX is well-known for its ambition to establish a city on Mars. Before it can get there, however, company CEO Elon Musk wants to put the SpaceX name on part of Texas by making its Starbase launch site an official municipality. 

SpaceX submitted a formal petition to incorporate Starbase as a Type-C Municipality on December 13. The decision is now left up to elected officials of Cameron County, Texas and voters living in the outlined area.

“The Office of the County Judge will work with the Civil Legal Division and the Election Office to review the petition and supporting documentation to ensure compliance with any and all statutory requirements before proceeding,” explained Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr.

The idea of SpaceX getting its own city was first debated back in 2021 when Musk posted on social media, stating “Creating the city of Starbase, Texas.” Despite early rumors of this proposal coming true, Treviño clarified that a petition had not been filed until now.

Though it seems like a somewhat outlandish idea - as do many SpaceX feats - turning Starbase into its own city could turn out to be extremely beneficial. Upwards of 3,400 SpaceX employees and contractors work full-time at the facility, hundreds of which currently live in the area. Hundreds more are on a waitlist to move to the campus. Having on-site housing available for staff would help streamline the development of the space launch complex.

Since the spaceport sits in a remote location, connected to the nearest city by a single stretch of highway, SpaceX already contributes more than its fair share to local growth. Under an agreement with the County, the aerospace giant helps maintain roads and utilities along with providing education and medical care for the community.

"Incorporation would move the management of some of these functions to a more appropriate public body,” noted Starbase General Manager Kathryn Lueders. "We are investing billions in infrastructure and generating hundreds of millions in income and taxes for local businesses and government, all with the goal of making South Texas the Gateway to Mars," she continued.

FMI: www.spacex.com