SpaceX seeks to take zoning control over nearly 450 acres from city of Brownsville as a ‘regional’ water deal takes shape
A SpaceX headquarters at Starbase, where the company continues to expand its footprint through large-scale construction projects. Photo Credit | Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza

Editor’s note: The Brownsville City Commission special meeting originally scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, has been rescheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.


SpaceX is asking Brownsville to remove roughly 444 acres from the city limits as the company prepares for an expansion near the Port of Brownsville — and negotiations surrounding the request could bring a major investment in the region’s water supply.

The Brownsville City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance granting SpaceX’s voluntary disannexation request during a special meeting called on Aug. 21, according to a news release from Brownsville. A recording of that meeting was not available as of Monday afternoon.

A second and final vote is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28. 

5,000+ business leaders across the Valley start their day with us.

Join them free!

RGV Business Journal is the only newsroom dedicated exclusively to the business and economic forces driving South Texas and the border economy.

Our subscribers get:

In-depth reporting on real estate, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and trade
Data and economic trend analysis unavailable anywhere else in the region
The Morning Newsletter: daily, before the workday starts

Try it free for 30 days.

Start My Free Trial

$9.95/month after trial. Cancel anytime.


Daily Business Update

Get the latest business news delivered to your inbox every morning for free.

    Try 30 Days Free!

    Get full access to award-winning journalism covering business, real estate, health care, economic trends, and the people shaping the Rio Grande Valley.

    30 Days Free!

    $9.95/month

    Limited time offer

    Subscription renews after your 30 day free trial at $9.95/mo.

    Included Benefits


    • Unlimited access to all articles
    • Daily business news and analysis
    • Subscriber-only content and features
    Get Full Access

    New $223M wind project could add up to 62 turbines across Hidalgo and Starr counties

    June 10, 2026 • 4 min read

    The project is expected to create up to 150 construction jobs, two permanent jobs, and expand renewable energy production in... Read more »

    South Texas’ shuttered sugar mill now part of $1 billion plan to revive U.S. cane industry

    October 1, 2025 • 3 min read

    The project could bring more than 130 Valley sugar farms back into production, restore jobs, and strengthen the region’s agricultural... Read more »