BROWNSVILLE, Texas - SpaceX’s workforce at its rocket launching facility at Boca Chica will almost double over the next year, according to Brownsville City Commissioner Tino Villarreal, Jr.
Villarreal spoke about the growth happening in Brownsville when he welcomed participants to Rotary’s International Peace Summit, which was held at the Brownsville Events Center.
“Brownsville is at a huge influx of growth right now. I just want to give you brief welcome to this city, what I call the city of the future,” Villarreal said.
“So, Brownsville, in the last five years, has had over $30 billion of investment in the Port (of Brownsville). Brownsville is also neighbors to SpaceX, that employs 4,300 people. And by this time next year, they're going to have 8,000 employees.
“So, you get to see the growth happening at the port with the LNG plant, as you drive by there. It's being constructed. A lot of movement, as we're the only deep water port along the border in this country.”
LNG stands for liquefied natural gas. A huge LNG export terminal is being constructed at the Port of Brownsville by NextDecade.
Villarreal also touched briefly on the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation’s new tech district.
“People are moving to Brownsville. This year alone, we had 1,200 new families move to Brownsville with an average household income over $250,000. This is record breaking for what it does for our economy here in Brownsville.”
Villarreal also spoke about Brownsville’s culture, its bi-national flavor, and the blending of Brownsville and Matamoros.
“So, Brownsville is beautiful. It has culture. It's growing. Its business is booming, and it's a city that's no stranger to connection. Here in Brownsville, two nations meet. Here in Brownsville, two cultures meet, and it creates one Brownsville.”
Villarreal then spoke about the theme of the summit: peace.
“We are no stranger to peace. Peace is not a global concept in Brownsville, It is our local responsibility and what we do every day. So, we are honored to host this international summit, and we want to welcome you. We want to welcome you on behalf of the city. We hope that your time here inspires you as much as your work, as Rotarians, inspire us.”
Villarreal added:
“We want to welcome you on behalf of Mayor John Cowen, the City Commission and everyone here in Brownsville and we hope you enjoy your short time here.
“And if you're from Brownsville, thank you for helping us in this moment in time, where we are the city of the future, and we can't do it without every single one of our local Rotarians.
“Thank you very much.”
