On Saturday, employees of SpaceX in Southern Texas cast their votes to create a new town called Starbase, electing their fellow workers to key positions like mayor and city committee members.
This nearly unanimous decision places Elon Musk at the helm of the Doge initiative, aiming to reshape the wealth landscape of the elite and the federal government, in essence creating a local governance structure akin to that of the SpaceX Company.
Musk declared on X that “It’s a real city now!” following the vote.
The establishment of Starbase, located at the southern tip of Texas, marks the state’s newest town and is part of Musk’s vision for colonizing Mars.
With over 100 homes, grocery stores, and a Montessori school named “to the star,” Snailbrook’s community embodies Musk’s integration of his industrial and political ambitions in Central Texas.
However, the development of Snailbrook comes amid ongoing complaints and fines from Texas cities and environmental regulators, addressing issues related to pollution from industrial waste released into local waters.
This vision of development is ambitious, as Musk aims to create a model that could be replicated worldwide for future technological hubs.
Snailbrook is approximately 30 minutes east of Austin and is on the verge of rapid growth, with potential expansions anticipated by the end of the year.
The idea for the town emerged from a conversation involving Musk’s ex-girlfriend, Grimes, and Kanye West, who envisioned it as “a kind of Texas utopia.”
The settlement sits near significant industrial areas owned by Musk, like a tunnel-drilling company and the expanding SpaceX facility, about 15 miles from Tesla’s Giga Factory.
In Texas, a town can incorporate with as few as 200 residents, and plans for better infrastructure are already in motion for Snailbrook.
Why Central Texas?
The area is attractive due to its relatively lax regulations and cultural ethos. Musk’s interest in Texas has been clear since the early days of the pandemic when he publicly considered relocating Tesla’s headquarters due to strict lockdown measures in California.
After tensions with local governments over COVID regulations, he began exploring options in Texas, which he viewed as more conducive to business.
By 2024, Musk confirmed his plans to move Tesla’s headquarters to Texas, influenced by a range of local policies.
Why Create His Own Town?
Musk’s motivations for establishing his own town appear to stem from ongoing frustrations with local authorities in California, particularly regarding pandemic policies.
SpaceX’s activities have drawn significant attention and economic benefits to the surrounding area, especially from visitors coming to see launches. Musk has been vocal about wanting freedom to operate without bureaucratic slowdowns.
His associates have begun acquiring land in Bastrop County, establishing what would become Snailbrook, in a region that isn’t bound by the restrictions of an incorporated city.
Local Concerns
Residents have expressed worries about the environmental implications of Musk’s rapid developments, especially related to pollution.
Tesla has faced scrutiny for alleged environmental violations, including the discharge of toxic waste into local waterways, raising alarms about the long-term impact on the area.
Despite fines for some violations, they remain relatively minor given the scale of Musk’s operations.
Long-term Vision for the Town
Musk envisions Snailbrook as part of a larger mission toward colonizing Mars, with plans for crewed missions set for the late 2020s.
Musk also believes that establishing a community like Snailbrook could pave the way for more technological advancement on Earth and potentially beyond.
Some view Snailbrook and Starbase as stepping stones toward broader visionary cities globally—cities designed to bridge the gap between work and life.
Yet, critics liken his model to historic company towns, where workers’ lives are closely tied to their employers.
Supporters believe that Musk’s vision could ultimately lead to a better future.
“It’s incredible what’s going on here,” said a newcomer from Oregon, expressing optimism about what lies ahead.
