Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The Brownsville City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance concerning the voluntary filed disannexation of approximately 444 acres of land in Cameron County.
The request was submitted by SpaceX, which has stated that the property is intended to provide additional land for the expansion of its operations closer to the Port of Brownsville.
The property is located along South Connector Road, just east of the City of Brownsville Landfill.
SpaceX requested voluntary disannexation based on the current lack of City services to the property. Company representatives have also stated that the property will not be used for rocket launches or rocket testing.
It is important to emphasize that approval of the first reading does not complete the disannexation process. A second reading and vote by the City Commission are still required.
City Commission’s action is not the only legal avenue available to the property owner. Under Texas law, if the applicable statutory requirements are met, a property owner may have the ability to pursue disannexation through the courts even if the City Commission declines to approve the request. For that reason, the Commission must consider not only whether to approve or deny the request, but also what outcome best protects the interests of Brownsville and provides the greatest opportunity to secure meaningful benefits for our community.
Regional Water Infrastructure Discussions
As part of broader discussions surrounding future infrastructure and regional growth, SpaceX is currently negotiating a significant financial investment toward the advancement of a long-term regional water solution.
Those discussions involve the Southmost Regional Water Authority, an important regional water project in which the Brownsville Public Utilities Board is the principal shareholder.
If fully developed as contemplated, the project is anticipated to substantially increase regional potable water production capacity, with the potential to approximately double current capacity and provide additional water resources for Brownsville at the surrounding communities.
The proposed SpaceX contribution and its specific terms are being negotiated and should not be considered final until an agreement is completed and formally approved through the appropriate public process.
The goal of these discussions is to strengthen long-term water security, support future population and economic growth, and help meet the significant funding and infrastructure requirements necessary to expand the region’s potable water supply.
What Happens Next
Any disannexation and corresponding adjustment to the City of Brownsville’s boundaries must be completed in accordance with applicable Texas law, the official property description, and the documentation ultimately approved by the City Commission.
The second reading of the ordinance will be considered at a City Commission Special Meeting at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the Commission Chambers, on the Second Floor of the Brownsville City Hall – Old Federal Building, located at 1001 East Elizabeth Street, Brownsville, Cameron County, Texas, 78520.
Agenda-related information is available at https://www.brownsvilletx.gov/129/Agendas-Minutes
Until that second and final reading and vote take place, the proposed disannexation has not received final approval.
The City Commission remains committed to providing the public with accurate information regarding the proposed boundary change, the purpose of the request, and any related agreements or regional infrastructure commitments as those discussions move forward.
