Starbase Docket

Brownsville voted on a Saturday to let 444 acres of SpaceX land leave the city. How the ground was prepared, how the vote was taken, and whether it holds up.

1. 
   Parte 1

   How Brownsville's coast became SpaceX country

   Before a Saturday vote handed 444 acres out of the city, thirteen years of laws, tax breaks and a brand-new town had already moved the ground. Part 1 of Project Quantum.

   September 3, 2026 · verificado
2. 
   Parte 2

   Six hours on a Saturday: how the vote was taken

   A Saturday special meeting, comment by form an hour early, a staff memo with blank fields, and a mayor who called the deal 'take it or leave it.' Part 2 of Project Quantum.

   September 3, 2026
3. 
   Parte 3

   Does it hold up? The law, the findings, and what anyone could do

   Two findings make the disannexation legal: that the land is unimproved and that no refund is owed. Neither is supported in the public record. Part 3 of Project Quantum.

   September 3, 2026

A city-owned utility became Starbase's water and sewer department, one closed session at a time. What it costs the ratepayers who own it, and the farms downstream.

1. 
   Parte 1

   Before the $220 million came the tanker trucks

   How Brownsville's city-owned utility became Starbase's water and sewer department, one closed session at a time. Part 1 of Your Water, Their Rocket.

   September 3, 2026
2. 
   Parte 2

   Whose water? SpaceX, the river, and the farms downstream

   SpaceX must buy water rights to fill its pipeline, and on the Rio Grande every right comes out of the account the Valley's farms draw from. Next up: a power contract for a customer the utility won't name. Part 2 of Your Water, Their Rocket.

   September 3, 2026