Starbase EDC may issue $3 billion in tax-exempt bonds to support SpaceX, records show
By Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza • October 1, 2026 • 5 min read
Economic incentivesFinanceIndustrial Real EstateManufacturingReal EstateTechnologyU.S.
Starbase EDC’s strategy is taking shape, with up to $3 billion in tax-exempt bonds proposed to support SpaceX expansion and the creation of 1,000 jobs.
Latest News
- Starbase EDC may issue $3 billion in tax-exempt bonds to support SpaceX, records show
- Zaxby’s plans $1.1M restaurant in Harlingen
- Vice President JD Vance kicks off construction of $3.2B Brownsville shipyard promising 10,000 jobs
- New Chedraui store in Valle Hermoso could bring 120 direct jobs
- First look inside McAllen’s downtown revitalization ideas, like new business taxes
- LIVE: Vice President JD Vance in South Texas for Saronic shipyard groundbreaking
- El Pollo Loco plans new $1.5M restaurant in Weslaco
- Saronic to break ground on $3.2B Brownsville shipyard with Vance, Abbott expected to attend
- Rio Grande Valley saw 10,000 people deported, projected $180M economic loss
- Rio Grande LNG moves closer to getting even bigger at Port of Brownsville
Technology
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LIVE: Vice President JD Vance in South Texas for Saronic shipyard groundbreaking
Follow live updates as Vice President JD Vance visits South Texas for Saronic’s $3.2 billion Port Alpha shipyard groundbreaking in Brownsville.
U.S.
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Zaxby’s plans $1.1M restaurant in Harlingen
The chicken chain is expanding its Rio Grande Valley footprint with a nearly 2,000-square-foot location along Expressway 77/83.
Manufacturing
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Vice President JD Vance kicks off construction of $3.2B Brownsville shipyard promising 10,000 jobs
The vice president’s whirlwind visit to the Rio Grande Valley included a stop at the Port of Brownsville, where Saronic broke ground on its new shipyard.
Economic incentives
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Brownsville wants to court developers to renovate with historic tax credits. See online map.
Brownsville economic development leaders released an online map to encourage developers to apply for historic renovation tax credits on hundreds of properties.
Real Estate
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New Chedraui store in Valle Hermoso could bring 120 direct jobs
The 2027 project is part of the retailer’s $200 million plan to open 13 stores across Tamaulipas over five years.
Industrial Real Estate
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Saronic to break ground on $3.2B Brownsville shipyard with Vance, Abbott expected to attend
The Wednesday groundbreaking will mark the start of construction on Port Alpha, the massive Port of Brownsville project expected to create up to 10,000 jobs.
Finance
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First look inside McAllen’s downtown revitalization ideas, like new business taxes
McAllen city leaders are weighing how to move forward with downtown revitalization efforts, considering a new business tax and other ideas as a public-private partnership.
Commercial Real Estate
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El Pollo Loco plans new $1.5M restaurant in Weslaco
The nearly 3,000-square-foot restaurant is expected to be completed by December, according to a new state filing.
Retail
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First lease inked at new retail plaza next to Port of Brownsville, see project construction map
The newest retail plaza next to the Port of Brownsville has its first lease of a franchise smoothie shop.
Business spotlight
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Edinburg EDC is courting franchise brands, and it wants local money to meet them
A November matchmaking session signals the city is recruiting retail and service chains, not just industry EDINBURG — The Edinburg Economic Development Corp. is bringing franchise
Mexico
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Why supply chain security was center stage for Reynosa customs brokers this week
Companies, carriers and educational institutions in Reynosa are working on certification and technology to keep Mexico-U.S. trade competitive.
Workforce
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Rio Grande Valley saw 10,000 people deported, projected $180M economic loss
About 43% of those economic losses stem from 2025 alone, according to the Caminos Institute inaugural report.
Economic Trends
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Starship reaches orbit for first time, deploys 26 Starlink satellites from Starbase
SpaceX’s 14th Starship flight marked a major milestone for the South Texas launch site, carrying its first operational payload into orbit despite engine problems.
Entertainment
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Edinburg’s Texas Cook’Em generated nearly $7 for every $1 invested
More than 15,000 people attended Texas Cook’Em in Edinburg, generating $1.34 million in economic output from about $196,000 spent on the festival.
Demographics
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First look at Brownsville’s housing master plan. What you need to know and how to get involved.
The city of Brownsville is shaping its first housing master plan; here’s how to contribute to the strategy.
Immigration
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Job growth in McAllen to hit 1% increase through August, Brownsville’s official data shows nearly 1% decline
The McAllen metro area added 2,900 jobs through August, while the Brownsville metro was down 1,100 jobs over the year.
Energy
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Rio Grande LNG moves closer to getting even bigger at Port of Brownsville
NextDecade secured a key federal permit for a proposed sixth production unit as it works toward a potential investment decision in 2027.
Tourism
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SpaceX plans Starship’s first trip around Earth for Sept. 22
Flight 14 would be Starship’s first orbital mission and its first time carrying and deploying Starlink satellites.
International trade
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Abbott allows cheaper diesel normally reserved for farms and off-road equipment on Texas roads as prices surge
The emergency order also allows heavier fuel and agricultural loads as Texas seeks relief for farmers, truckers and other businesses.
Agriculture
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Valley cotton beats expectations, but the industry keeps shrinking
Valley cotton yields came in 10% to 15% above average this year, but shrinking acreage, water shortages and tough economics continue to squeeze the industry.
Logistics
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One year after opening, Puerto del Norte shows more maritime activity in Matamoros
Barges supporting offshore operations, an upcoming Orbia export to Brazil and continued dredging are adding activity to the port as it moves into a new operating phase. MATAMOROS,
Residential Real Estate
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McAllen metro keeps selling more homes as Brownsville-Harlingen market sees 17% drop through August
The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metro area has more inventory and continues to sell more homes compared to the tighter Brownsville-Harlingen metro.
Infrastructure
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SpaceX’s futuristic city of Starbase finalizes massive 7,100-acre annexation. Here’s what we know.
Starbase officials approved the massive annexation of its city limits expanding its boundaries past 8,000 acres.
Healthcare
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HCA’s Brownsville hospital plans $14.8M emergency room expansion
Valley Regional adds eight exam rooms and a five-bay ambulance canopy, its second ER move this year BROWNSVILLE — Valley Regional Medical Center has registered plans for a $14.8 mi
Water
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McAllen’s $204M water investment expects to seek construction bids in 2027
There will be four construction bid packages expected to go out in early 2027 for the $204 million project.
Education
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Valley program training 60 internists wins reaccreditation as specialty doctor shortage continues
South Texas Health System aims to keep newly minted physicians in one of the nation’s most underserved regions EDINBURG — A Rio Grande Valley residency program training 60 in
Sponsored Content
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How Vantage Bank is fighting modern financial fraud — and what customers can do to protect themselves
From bank impersonation scams to AI-powered deepfakes, financial fraud is evolving. Vantage Bank explains the threats and how customers can protect themselves.
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- SpaceX’s futuristic city of Starbase finalizes massive 7,100-acre annexation. Here’s what we know.
- Cameron County is negotiating a $20M Fluidstack data center donation after Harlingen waffles on the same offer
- Fluidstack breaks ground on $4 billion Cameron County AI data center
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In the Headlines
- SpaceX’s operations projected to generate $13B economic impact in Cameron County
- Environmental advocates push back as Starbase votes to dramatically expand city limits near Boca Chica Beach
- $1B desal plant secures land on South Padre Island
- Coming soon: Space Monkey Barrcade bets on nostalgia and in-person arcade play to draw crowds in Edinburg
- U.K. business plans massive data center in Harlingen, records show
