The Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) is a state agency dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through land financing, housing assistance, and long-term care services. Operating under the Texas General Land Office, the VLB plays a vital role in honoring military service by providing tangible benefits to those who have served.
Origins and Purpose
The VLB was established in 1946 by the Texas Legislature in the wake of World War II, as thousands of Texas servicemembers returned home. Inspired by national efforts like the G.I. Bill, the VLB was created to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life by offering a pathway to land ownership. The initial vision was to make land affordable and accessible to veterans as a reward for their service and a foundation for long-term economic stability.
Land and Loan Programs
At the core of the VLB’s mission is its Veterans Land Loan Program, which allows eligible Texas veterans and active-duty military members to finance the purchase of land on favorable terms. The program will fund the purchase of any tract containing at least one acre, provided it has dedicated access to a public roadway. Loans come with competitive interest rates and do not require the land to be connected to a home purchase.
In addition to land loans, the VLB offers:
- Home Loans: In partnership with lenders, the VLB helps veterans obtain mortgage loans with special benefits through its Veterans Housing Assistance Program.
- Home Improvement Loans: Veterans can finance renovations and repairs to existing homes, with loans up to a set maximum, for projects such as roof repairs, energy-efficient upgrades, or accessibility modifications.
Long-Term Care and Veterans Homes
The Texas State Veterans Home Program, administered by the VLB, provides long-term nursing care to veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star parents at eight facilities across the state. These state veterans homes are located in cities including Amarillo, El Paso, Temple, McAllen, and others, ensuring geographic coverage for the state’s large and dispersed veteran population.
While the homes are operated by third-party contractors, the Veterans Land Board maintains active oversight:
- Each facility has a VLB on-site representative to monitor quality and advocate for residents.
- Operations are regulated jointly by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure compliance with state and federal standards.
Veterans Cemeteries
The VLB also operates four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries, offering dignified burial and perpetual care to eligible veterans and their families. These cemeteries—located in Abilene, Killeen, Corpus Christi, and Mission—reflect the state’s commitment to honoring veterans in life and in death.
Governance and Oversight
The Veterans Land Board is governed by a three-member board:
- The Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office serves as Chairman.
- Two additional members are appointed by the governor, typically private citizens with experience relevant to the board’s mission.
This leadership structure ensures both continuity of state oversight and input from the broader veteran and civic community.
