In a move that has left urban planners scratching their heads and sci-fi fans cheering, Elon Musk has successfully transformed SpaceX’s launch site into an official city. Welcome to Starbase, Texas—where the streets have no names, but the rockets have serial numbers.
From Boca Chica to Bureaucracy
Formerly known as Boca Chica Village, this coastal area in Cameron County has been the epicenter of SpaceX’s ambitious endeavors. Now, with a resounding 97.7% of the 218 votes cast in favor (that’s 212 votes for, 6 against), Starbase has officially been incorporated as a Type C municipality. This classification allows for a mayor and two commissioners to oversee the city’s governance .
Meet the New Bosses (Same as the Old Bosses)
In a democratic process that would make any autocrat proud, all candidates for Starbase’s inaugural government ran unopposed. SpaceX Vice President Bobby Peden has been elected mayor, with Jordan Buss and Jenna Petrzelka filling the commissioner seats. It’s a governance model that ensures meetings are efficient—after all, when everyone agrees, there’s no need for lengthy debates .
A City Built on Rockets and Dreams
Starbase isn’t just any city; it’s a company town reminiscent of the Gilded Age, where the employer provides not just jobs but also housing, utilities, and now, local governance. With most of the approximately 500 residents being SpaceX employees or their families, it’s a community that’s literally and figuratively fueled by rockets .
Not Everyone Is on Board
While Musk and his team celebrate this new chapter, some locals and environmental groups express concerns. The South Texas Environmental Justice Network and indigenous groups worry about potential restrictions to public spaces like Boca Chica Beach, which hold cultural and spiritual significance. Critics argue that Starbase could prioritize corporate interests over community welfare .
Elon’s Vision: One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Muskkind
Musk envisions Starbase as more than just a city; it’s a launchpad for humanity’s future. With plans to support space innovation and human expansion into space, Starbase is central to Musk’s long-term vision, including a human mission to Mars .
Final Thoughts
As Starbase, Texas, takes its place on the map, one can’t help but wonder: Is this the beginning of a new era in urban development, or just another chapter in the ever-evolving saga of Elon Musk? Either way, residents can look forward to city council meetings that are out of this world—literally.
