Today, Explained Elon's company town
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Jan 2, 2025 
Ronnie Mola, a Senior correspondent at Sherwood News, shares insights from his coverage of Elon Musk's Snailbrook community, designed for employees near Austin, Texas. Joined by Price Fishback, a Regents professor specializing in company towns, they tackle the challenges Musk faces in creating a utopia. They compare Snailbrook's bleak reality with historical company towns, discuss housing affordability, and ponder whether modern workers will embrace life in this isolated community amidst the allure of vibrant alternatives.
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Snailbrook Visit
- Ronnie Mola visited Snailbrook, a town Elon Musk is building in Bastrop County, Texas.
- It's meant to house employees of his companies, but currently consists of trailers, a few amenities, and large factories.
Snailbrook's Uncertain Future
- Snailbrook's housing situation is unclear, with plans for more trailers and some single-family homes.
- The town aims to provide amenities like a school and commercial center, but development is slow.
Endicott Example
- Older company towns like Endicott, New York offered workers affordable housing, contributing to the town's long-term success.
- It's unknown whether Musk will offer similar incentives in Snailbrook.