Starbase, Texas? Residents to Vote on Incorporating Elon Musk’s SpaceX Hub as a City

Cameron County, Texas, has given the green light for a pivotal election: Should Starbase—SpaceX’s bustling launch site—become its own independent city? On May 3, 2025, eligible residents living near the facility will cast their votes on this historic decision. If approved, Starbase would officially join the map as a Type C municipality, marking a bold step in Elon Musk’s expanding vision for the region.

How We Got Here: The Push for Starbase City

This movement didn’t just appear out of thin air. It all started in December 2024, when more than 70 local residents, the majority being SpaceX employees, signed a petition requesting an election to incorporate Starbase as a municipality. The area in question? A currently unincorporated part of Cameron County, about 25 miles east of Brownsville, sitting right along the U.S.-Mexico border.

For SpaceX, this is more than just a name change. It’s about autonomy—having more direct control over local development and decision-making, without relying on county or state bureaucracy. But for some residents and environmental groups, this could also mean fewer regulatory hurdles for SpaceX’s ambitious projects, potentially raising concerns about the region’s ecological impact.

The Election: Who’s Voting and What’s at Stake?

The May 3 election is set to determine whether Starbase takes its first steps toward cityhood. Here’s what you need to know:

• Early Voting: Late April 2025
• Who Can Vote?: Roughly 500 eligible residents living in the proposed city boundaries
• What’s Needed to Pass?: A simple majority vote

If the initiative is approved, Starbase would officially be designated as a Type C municipality, a classification in Texas for cities with populations between 200 and 5,000 residents and covering an area of less than two square miles. Governance would be handled by a commission form of government, consisting of a mayor and two commissioners.

Interestingly, there’s already one name in the mayoral race: Gunnar Milburn, SpaceX’s security manager. As of now, he’s the sole candidate for the role.

What Happens if Starbase Becomes a City?

1. Local Development Boost

According to Kathryn Lueders, General Manager of Starbase, incorporation would streamline infrastructure projects—think roads, housing, and amenities tailored for the growing number of employees and residents. SpaceX currently owns nearly all the land within the proposed city boundaries, making it likely that most new developments would be directly aligned with the company’s vision.

2. Environmental Concerns

Not everyone is thrilled. Some environmental advocates worry that city status could reduce oversight on SpaceX’s activities, allowing the company to fast-track expansions without stringent environmental reviews. Given the area’s proximity to sensitive wildlife habitats and the Gulf Coast, any changes in zoning laws or regulations could have long-term ecological impacts.

3. A Historic First for Cameron County

If voters approve the measure, Starbase would become the first new city in Cameron County since Los Indios was incorporated in 1995—a historic milestone that underscores just how much SpaceX has reshaped the region in the past decade.

The Bigger Picture: Elon Musk’s Texas Expansion

This vote is just the latest chapter in Musk’s growing footprint in Texas:

• 2014: SpaceX establishes its Boca Chica launch site in Texas.
• 2020: Tesla announces a gigafactory in Austin, reinforcing Musk’s Texas presence.
• 2021: Musk declares he has personally moved to Texas, signaling a deeper commitment to the state.
• 2025: Over 3,000 full-time SpaceX employees are based at Starbase, and the site has become a crucial hub for Starship development.

The May 3 election isn’t just about a name change—it’s a test of whether a company-built town, centered around space exploration and innovation, can function as an independent municipality. If approved, Starbase could set a precedent for future corporate-driven cities, blending private enterprise with local governance in ways never seen before.

So, will Starbase officially land on the map as a city? We’ll find out soon enough.