The Cameron County, Texas Elections Department reported that 97 per cent of voters approved the city’s incorporation, and 100 per cent of voters elected SpaceX vice president of Texas launches, Bobby Peden as mayor. Two city commissioner slots were filled by SpaceX engineer Jenna Petrzelka—who is also married to a company vice-president, according to The Texas Tribune—and SpaceX environmental health and safety director Jordan Buss. (The Logic)

Talking point: SpaceX employees and their families make up the majority of Starbase residents. But it will be closely watched by both rival space companies and Texas residents, some of whom are worried that Elon Musk’s company will gain increased authority over surrounding beaches, highways and state parks to facilitate rocket launches. SpaceX already coordinates much of the health-care and utility service for its workers there, and plans to build a grocery story and school in the town near the U.S.-Mexico border.