Starbase Watch · October 13, 2026
Starbase's 2026-27 budget is $10,043,075, with police the biggest piece. The city's 2026 tax rate is final at $0.80 per $100, up from $0.55.
From the city's budget
Background photo: NASA. Budget pages: City of Starbase.
Start here
Every launch pulls thousands of visitors into Cameron County, and most of them find out too late that the beach and highway close, or that the best views aren't where they parked. Viewing spots, closure calendars, timing, and what to bring.
Launch viewing guide →Hotels in Brownsville, beachfront on South Padre Island, and RV sites minutes from the launch corridor. What each option is good for, and how launch weeks change the math.
Lodging guide →The overwhelming majority of people working at Starbase have to find their own housing. If that's you, or you're coming for the port, the LNG projects, or the growth itself, start with the honest version of the housing market.
Relocation guide →Starbase Watch
Public safety gets $4.46 million of $10.04 million. The 2026 city tax rate is final at $0.80 per $100, up from $0.55.
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TCEQ coverage for industrial construction at 1 Massey Way, active since Oct. 5, through an estimated May 31, 2027.
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Ship 40 is vertical again inside Megabay 2, LabPadre posted Monday. Overnight, Booster 23 rolled out, headed to Massey's for its first cryo tests.
Read the item →Housing help
Housing inquiries on this site come to our own team. Moving in for Starbase, the port, or the LNG projects? Tell us what you need and when you land (long-term rental, monthly RV site, or not sure yet) and a human replies with real availability.
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