DTC Member Spotlight – H&R Block

Downtown Council Member Spotlight

The Downtown Council Member Spotlight showcases DTC member companies and organizations, and the ways they contribute to the quality of life in Downtown KC.

Spotlight on H&R Block and its World Headquarters, One H&R Block Way (aka 1301 Main St.)

H&R Block is an American company predominately operating in the U.S., Canada, and Australia, India, and Ireland. Our purpose is simple: To provide help and inspire confidence in our clients and communities everywhere through our small business, financial and tax preparation services. We’ve been true to that purpose since brothers Henry and Richard Bloch founded our company in 1955. Since then, we’ve grown to have approximately 12,000 offices throughout the United States and around the world. We are proud to call Kansas City home.

We are a people company first and a tax company second. Jeff Jones, President & CEO says, “People who join H&R Block say it feels like being part of something bigger. A place with an amazing and storied history, but with a strong and urgent focus on the future.” Maybe it’s how determined, forward thinking and innovative we are, or how accessible our leadership is. We believe it’s all those things, and much more.

We are deeply invested in making an impact in the local communities we operate in. Our community involvement runs deep which is why the company founded Make Event Block Better, a platform for employees to volunteer in their communities and build connections among neighbors. Make Every Block Better has teamed up with partners like Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhoods Rising Fund and many others to provide volunteerism and direct support in local communities.

H&R Block has been in Downtown Kansas City since its new headquarters was built on Main Street in late 2006. The company has invested significantly in Downtown over the years and is committed to elevating Kansas City. This includes support for projects and investments that continue to improve Downtown Kansas City.

Last year, H&R Block, Inc., in partnership with the Marion and Henry Block Family Foundation and the H&R Block Foundation, committed a lead gift of $10 million toward the South Loop Project, a sustainable park in the heart of Downtown Kansas City. Jeff Jones noted, “our commitment to this project is a reflection of our work to Make Every Block Better, our belief in Kansas City, and our collective ambition of greatness.” The company has also embraced the building of a new stadium for the Royals in Downtown.

Each project represents a transformative opportunity for Downtown Kansas City and as a champion for further investment in Downtown and the city, we stand ready to support other future projects that keep the city on its transformative growth path.

H&R Block has been a long-time member of the Downtown Council. The Council allows the company to come together with other businesses, property owners, and nonprofits to advocate on important issues impacting the area and ensure that Downtown Kansas City remains a vibrant place to work, shop, live and do business. Dan White, H&R Block’s Vice President of Corporate Tax and Downtown Council Member Representative explains, “the Downtown Council is a vital voice in our community and plays a significant role in supporting Downtown’s transformative growth journey over the years. There is no better voice to bridge the progress we’ve made from where we’re going.”

H&R Block has benefitted greatly from Council membership. According to White, “the Council’s advocacy tools are an effective way for the company to lend its voice on important policy topics.”

“The Council’s research and reports, which are designed to measure the progress of Downtown Kansas City on economic, housing, affordability and job growth issues, help the H&R Block stay current on important trends and developments impacting Downtown. The Community Improvement District Ambassador program has really been a tremendous success and reinforced the Council’s and member companies like H&R Block’s commitment to Downtown.”

“We are excited for Downtown Kansas City’s future and the continued growth path it is on. We know the Council will continue to be a convener and advocate for a strong and vibrant Downtown and H&R Block stands ready to be a champion of the Council, Downtown, and Kansas City!”