Far from Washington, Musk Builds a Mini-Nation: Can Starbase Redefine American Local Rule?

Published on May 1, 2025 by Ruta S Kulkarni

Musk's New Mission in South Texas

Far away from Washington, Elon Musk is shaping a new kind of government in South Texas. The area near SpaceX’s rocket launch site, once called Boca Chica, may soon become its own city — Starbase, Texas. This week, around 500 residents, many of whom are SpaceX workers or their families, are voting to form a new local government. Musk, who owns property there, is fully backing the idea.

A Company Town in the Making

Most of the people living in the 1.45-square-mile area either work at SpaceX or are closely connected to the company. Because of that, the vote to incorporate the city is expected to pass easily. If approved, SpaceX will gain control over things like zoning and development. That means the company, not the county, would decide what can be built and how the town grows — giving it control over day-to-day life in Starbase.

How Boca Chica Became Starbase

Since 2019, SpaceX has been transforming Boca Chica from a quiet beach town into a busy construction zone. Rocket towers, launch pads, and cranes now dominate the skyline. Homes and trailers have been painted in SpaceX’s signature black, gray, and white. Teslas line the streets. Even the lawns and signs reflect Musk’s futuristic vision. Nearly 3,100 employees commute to the area daily from nearby towns like Brownsville.

Meet Starbase's First Government

If Starbase becomes an official city, it will start with three government leaders — all tied to SpaceX. Bobby Peden, the company’s Vice President of Texas Test and Launch, is set to become mayor. Two commissioners, Jenna Petrzelka and Jordan Buss, also have strong links to the company. All three are running unopposed. That means SpaceX’s influence will stretch not only across industry but now into local government.

Voices of Resistance and Loss

Not everyone is excited about Starbase. Longtime residents like Homer Pompa have lived in the area since the 1970s. He says life used to be peaceful, and he feels like SpaceX is trying to push him out. He has refused to sell his land, even though SpaceX is building homes right beside his property. Others who used to live there have already left due to the noise and constant activity from rocket launches.

Why SpaceX Wants Starbase

SpaceX argues that creating the city will make it easier to provide housing and services to its growing workforce. The company says it has hundreds of employees waiting for homes, and plans for new townhouses were rejected by the county. By forming its own city, SpaceX can approve its own projects without waiting for outside permission. A top SpaceX official described the plan as necessary to make the area livable and efficient.

Rules, Rights, and Responsibilities

Once incorporated, Starbase will gain legal authority to set its own rules. That could include laws about noise, traffic, land use, and behavior. Texas laws give cities strong powers over zoning, even stronger than counties. But since the population is under 5,000, Starbase cannot create its own city charter. The new government can still form a police force, run libraries, or build parks — but these services require funding and staff.

Old Beach, New Battle

SpaceX also wants more control over nearby Boca Chica Beach, where rockets often launch. Each time a launch is planned, SpaceX must ask the county to close the beach. The company recently tried to change this law but was turned down by Texas lawmakers. Despite having its own city, SpaceX will still need federal approval for launches and follow state rules for things like wastewater and environmental safety.

Security and Secrecy in Starbase

Even before the vote, SpaceX had set up tight security in the area. The company’s private guards patrol in white vans and have reportedly blocked outsiders from public roads. Local officials once warned SpaceX about impersonating law enforcement. While no legal action was taken, the situation raised concerns. Going forward, the new city leaders will need to follow public records laws, which could reveal more about how SpaceX operates in Starbase.

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