SpaceX has formally requested an election to incorporate its Starbase facility as a new Texas city, marking a significant expansion of its presence in the state’s southernmost region. The petition, submitted by local residents and announced in a letter to Cameron County officials Thursday, aims to transform the rocket manufacturing and launch site into an official municipality.
The move follows Elon Musk’s earlier relocation of both SpaceX and X company headquarters from California to Texas, with Starbase currently employing over 3,400 full-time workers and contractors. Kathryn Lueders, Starbase’s general manager, emphasized the need for community growth to support the site’s expanding workforce and Starship rocket development.
Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. confirmed this marks the first official incorporation petition, despite Musk’s previous 2021 social media announcement about creating “the city of Starbase.” The county’s legal team will review the petition for compliance with statutory requirements.
The expansion has faced local opposition, including a lawsuit from Save RGV alleging environmental violations, though SpaceX maintains state reviews found no risks. The proposed city would be located at Boca Chica Beach near the Mexican border.
