This report identifies seven strategic practices for effectively managing preventive maintenance of Minnesota school district, city, and county buildings; and profiles local jurisdictions currently using them. The following best practices for preventive maintenance are recommended: (1) inventory building components and assess their conditions; (2) build the capacity for ranking maintenance projects and evaluating their costs; (3) plan strategically for preventive maintenance in the long- and short-term; (4) structure a framework for operating a preventive maintenance program; (5) use tools to optimize the preventive maintenance program; (6) enhance the competence of maintenance workers and managers; and (7) involve appropriate maintenance personnel in decision making and in communicating buildings' needs. The report's three chapters provide background information defining preventive maintenance and its values, recommends best practices for preventive maintenance, and explains differences in local governments' use and management of preventive maintenance. Further, it describes obstacles local governments believe limit their ability to perform preventive maintenance and the state's role in local building maintenance. Appendices provide the report's study methodology and a checklist for measuring performance. Recent performance evaluations are also included. (GR)