Elon Musk is solidifying SpaceX’s footprint in Texas with a bold move to incorporate part of Cameron County into a new town named "Starbase." Musk’s request, submitted in a formal letter to Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, outlines his vision for the area near the Rio Grande Valley to become a fully-fledged city.
“SpaceX HQ will now officially be in the city of Starbase, Texas!” Musk announced in a statement accompanying the letter.
The letter requests a special election to allow Cameron County residents to decide whether Starbase should gain official city status. Musk cites SpaceX’s significant presence in the area, noting that thousands of employees are based in South Texas, with several hundred already residing in the proposed Starbase community.
“SpaceX is proud to play a major role in the South Texas and Cameron County communities,” the letter reads. “As you know, through agreements with the County, SpaceX currently performs several civil functions around Starbase due to its remote location, including management of the roads, utilities, and the provision of school and medical care for the residents.”
Incorporation, Musk argues, would shift some of these responsibilities to a “more appropriate public body,” establishing a formal local government.
Musk's Expanding Texas Empire
Musk’s move comes as part of a broader shift of his business and personal operations to Texas in recent years. SpaceX and social media platform X both relocated their headquarters from California to Texas, following Musk’s earlier decision to move Tesla’s headquarters to Austin in late 2021.
In addition to his corporate ventures, Musk is reportedly planning a private Montessori school in Bastrop, Texas, reflecting his growing influence on the state’s educational and economic landscape.
Political Engagement
Beyond business, Musk has also become increasingly active in politics at both state and federal levels. He recently aligned with President-elect Donald Trump, co-chairing the incoming administration's newly formed “Department of Government Efficiency” alongside Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk has also shown support for GOP causes, contributing $2 million to the Judicial Fairness PAC to bolster Republican judicial candidates in Texas.
A New Chapter for South Texas
The incorporation of Starbase could mark a significant turning point for the region, further intertwining the local economy with SpaceX’s operations. While some Cameron County residents and officials have expressed excitement about Musk’s investments, others may raise concerns about the balance of corporate and community interests.
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