What could possibly go wrong with living in a city controlled by a billionaire? That’s exactly the question on the minds of the residents of Starbase, Texas. Recently, this one-of-a-kind town informed its residents that they might soon lose the right to use their property the way they have been until now. The reason? SpaceX’s decision to change the zoning rules. The big plan is to create a “Mixed Use District” that would allow homes, offices, shops, and small businesses to coexist within the same zone. Residents are now waiting anxiously for the public meeting scheduled for June 23, where this major change will be discussed.
If you’re wondering how SpaceX and Starbase gained the power to make such moves, it’s because they recently won a local election. Starbase was formally recognized as a city in May 2025. Since then, it has been officially run by current and former SpaceX employees.
This situation is tied to the fact that many people living in the area are either SpaceX workers or their relatives, which made it possible to establish Starbase in the first place. In fact, the entire purpose of creating this new city was to give SpaceX more control and freedom over its industrial complex and launch facilities.
While the company claims it’s aiming for a more balanced and safer city, this unexpected tactic has residents concerned. In the memo shared by City Administrator Kent Myers, he urged those notified to attend the upcoming hearing because it will decide whether they may lose the right to continue using their property as they have been.
If you think the decision is extremely dictatorial, you’re not alone. Many internet users have criticized SpaceX’s move. One even called it clear proof of a foreigner taking property away from Americans, pointing out that Elon Musk was born in South Africa, not the U.S. Others said that while the situation is tough for the Texas residents affected, nobody should be surprised. As one user put it, “Are we surprised? No, not at all.”
Many shook their heads, finding the situation both saddening and concerning. One Redditor wrote, “The party of small government… takes over your town and now lets a local billionaire decide how and where you live.” Others remarked that people really need to look deeper into this and recognize that billionaires are often corrupt hoarders who bring little to no benefit to society.
