The Institute of Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) entered into a contract in August, 2013 to provide building department services to local governments in the Kansas City region through Mid-America Regional Council (MARC). The intent is to provide regionalized services so that the startup costs are shared across multiple municipalities.  In addition, the services will provide consistency across the region in costs and standards.  This in turn will make life easier for citizens and contractors going through the permit process. This has been extremely beneficial and monumental experience for Kansas and their citizens.