diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 4d1a508a72..0000000000
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,38 +0,0 @@
----
-name: Bug Report
-about: Report a bug to help us improve
-title: ''
-labels: 'kind/bug'
-assignees: ''
----
-
-# Checklist
-
-* [ ] I've searched the issue queue to verify this is not a duplicate bug report.
-* [ ] I've included steps to reproduce the bug.
-* [ ] I've pasted the output of `kargo version`.
-* [ ] I've pasted logs, if applicable.
-
-# Description
-
-<!-- A clear and concise description of the bug. -->
-
-# Screenshots
-
-<!-- If applicable, add screenshots to help explain the bug. -->
-
-# Steps to Reproduce
-
-<!-- A list of the steps required to reproduce the issue. -->
-
-# Version
-
-```
-Paste the output from `kargo version` here.
-```
-
-# Logs
-
-```
-Paste any relevant application logs here.
-```
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..f350ee6fd5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,66 @@
+name: Bug Report
+description: Report a bug to help us improve
+labels: ["kind/bug"]
+body:
+- type: checkboxes
+  id: duplicate-check
+  attributes:
+    label: Pre-submission checklist
+    options:
+    - label: I have searched existing issues and confirmed this is not a duplicate.
+      required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: description
+  attributes:
+    label: Description
+    description: A clear and concise description of the bug.
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: steps-to-reproduce
+  attributes:
+    label: Steps to Reproduce
+    description: Steps to reproduce the behavior.
+    placeholder: |
+      1. ...
+      2. ...
+      3. ...
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: expected-behavior
+  attributes:
+    label: Expected Behavior
+    description: What did you expect to happen?
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: actual-behavior
+  attributes:
+    label: Actual Behavior
+    description: What actually happened?
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: input
+  id: version
+  attributes:
+    label: Kargo Version
+    description: Output of `kargo version`.
+    placeholder: e.g. v1.3.0
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: logs
+  attributes:
+    label: Relevant Logs
+    description: If applicable, paste relevant log output. This will be automatically formatted as code.
+    render: shell
+  validations:
+    required: false
+- type: textarea
+  id: screenshots
+  attributes:
+    label: Screenshots
+    description: If applicable, add screenshots to help explain the bug.
+  validations:
+    required: false
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
index edae68a834..7c0d01fe9d 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-blank_issues_enabled: true
+blank_issues_enabled: false
 
 contact_links:
   - name: Have you read the docs?
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
deleted file mode 100644
index 547dd0101d..0000000000
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,25 +0,0 @@
----
-name: Feature Request
-about: Propose an enhancement for consideration by the maintainers
-title: ''
-labels:
-- 'kind/proposal'
-- 'kind/enhancement'
-assignees: ''
----
-
-__Note:__ If you're requesting a Helm chart option that may be very niche and not useful to the community at large, please consider using Kustomize to apply "last mile" tweaks to the output of `helm template` to suit your needs instead.
-
-# Checklist
-
-* [ ] I've searched the issue queue to verify this is not a duplicate feature request.
-* [ ] I've pasted the output of `kargo version`, if applicable.
-* [ ] I've pasted logs, if applicable.
-
-# Proposed Feature
-
-<!-- What new feature would you like to see? -->
-
-# Motivation
-
-<!-- Please give examples of your use case. i.e. When would someone use this? -->
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c2e6539662
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_request.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+name: Feature Request
+description: Propose an enhancement for consideration by the maintainers
+labels: ["kind/proposal", "kind/enhancement"]
+body:
+- type: markdown
+  attributes:
+    value: |
+      **Please read before submitting.**
+
+      Feature requests are reviewed by maintainers on a best-effort basis.
+      Submitting a request does not guarantee it will be implemented.
+
+      **Do NOT begin work on a feature until all blocking labels have been removed
+      from the issue by a maintainer.** Pull requests linked to issues that still
+      carry blocking labels (`kind/proposal`, `needs discussion`, `needs research`,
+      `maintainer only`, `area/security`, `size/large`, `size/x-large`,
+      `size/xx-large`) will be automatically closed.
+
+      See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for
+      full details on the contribution process.
+
+      If you are requesting a Helm chart option that may be very niche and not
+      useful to the community at large, please consider using Kustomize to apply
+      "last mile" tweaks to the output of `helm template` instead.
+- type: checkboxes
+  id: preconditions
+  attributes:
+    label: Pre-submission checklist
+    options:
+    - label: I have searched existing issues and confirmed this is not a duplicate.
+      required: true
+    - label: I understand that submitting a feature request does not guarantee it will be implemented.
+      required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: proposal
+  attributes:
+    label: Proposed Feature
+    description: What new feature would you like to see?
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: motivation
+  attributes:
+    label: Motivation and Use Case
+    description: Why do you need this? Please give concrete examples of when someone would use this.
+  validations:
+    required: true
+- type: textarea
+  id: alternatives
+  attributes:
+    label: Alternatives Considered
+    description: Have you considered any alternative solutions or workarounds?
+  validations:
+    required: false
diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..a5b6cedb3a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+**All pull requests must reference an existing issue with no blocking labels.**
+PRs that do not meet this requirement will be automatically closed. See the
+[Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for details.
+
+## Issue Reference
+
+Closes #<!-- insert issue number -->
+
+## Description
+
+<!-- Describe what this PR does and why. -->
+
+## Checklist
+
+- [ ] The PR is linked to an existing issue.
+- [ ] The linked issue has no blocking labels (`kind/proposal`,
+  `needs discussion`, `needs research`, `maintainer only`, `area/security`,
+  `size/large`, `size/x-large`, `size/xx-large`).
+- [ ] I have added or updated tests as appropriate.
+- [ ] I have added or updated documentation as appropriate.
+
+### AI Use Disclosure
+
+Select one:
+
+- [ ] This PR was written by a human _without_ AI assistance.
+- [ ] This PR was written by a human _with_ AI assistance. A human has reviewed every line prior to opening the PR.
+- [ ] This PR was written by an AI _with human supervision._ A human has reviewed every line prior to opening the PR.
+- [ ] This PR was written entirely by AI. No human has reviewed this prior to opening the PR.
+
+### Sign-Off
+
+- [ ] All commits are signed off (`git commit -s`) **(required)**
+- [ ] All commits are cryptographically signed (`git commit -S`) **(preferred)**
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pr-policy-check.yaml b/.github/workflows/pr-policy-check.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..67acd0a436
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/pr-policy-check.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,108 @@
+name: PR Policy Check
+
+on:
+  pull_request_target:
+    types:
+    - opened
+
+permissions:
+  pull-requests: write
+  issues: read
+
+jobs:
+  check:
+    name: Validate linked issue
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    if: >-
+      github.event.pull_request.author_association != 'MEMBER' &&
+      github.event.pull_request.author_association != 'OWNER' &&
+      !endsWith(github.event.pull_request.user.login, '[bot]')
+    steps:
+    - name: Harden the runner (Audit all outbound calls)
+      uses: step-security/harden-runner@fe104658747b27e96e4f7e80cd0a94068e53901d # v2.16.1
+      with:
+        egress-policy: audit
+
+    - name: Check for linked issue and blocking labels
+      env:
+        GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.AKUITYBOT_PAT }}
+        GH_REPO: ${{ github.repository }}
+        PR_NUMBER: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
+      run: |
+        # Read PR body safely from the event payload instead of an env var.
+        PR_BODY=$(jq -r '.pull_request.body // ""' "$GITHUB_EVENT_PATH")
+
+        # Parse issue reference from PR body.
+        # Supports: Closes #N, Fixes #N, Resolves #N (and singular forms),
+        # plus full URL variants like https://github.com/owner/repo/issues/N
+        ISSUE_NUMBER=$(echo "$PR_BODY" | grep -oiP '(?:close[sd]?|fix(?:e[sd])?|resolve[sd]?)\s+(?:https://github\.com/[^/]+/[^/]+/issues/)?#?(\d+)' | head -1 | grep -oP '\d+$' || true)
+
+        if [ -z "$ISSUE_NUMBER" ]; then
+          gh pr edit "$PR_NUMBER" --add-label "policy/no-linked-issue"
+          gh pr comment "$PR_NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'COMMENT'
+        ## Automated Policy Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because it does not reference an unblocked issue.
+
+        All contributions to Kargo require a linked, unblocked issue. This ensures that proposed changes have been reviewed by maintainers before effort is invested.
+
+        **To contribute:**
+
+        1. Open a [Bug Report](https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/issues/new?template=bug_report.yml) or [Feature Request](https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/issues/new?template=feature_request.yml)
+        2. Wait for a maintainer to review the issue and remove any blocking labels
+        3. Reference the issue in your PR using `Closes #<number>`
+
+        See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for full details.
+        COMMENT
+          )"
+          gh pr close "$PR_NUMBER"
+          exit 1
+        fi
+
+        echo "Found linked issue: #$ISSUE_NUMBER"
+
+        # Fetch the issue's labels.
+        LABELS=$(gh issue view "$ISSUE_NUMBER" --json labels --jq '.labels[].name')
+
+        # Check for blocking labels.
+        BLOCKING_LABELS=(
+          "kind/proposal"
+          "needs discussion"
+          "needs research"
+          "maintainer only"
+          "area/security"
+          "size/large"
+          "size/x-large"
+          "size/xx-large"
+        )
+
+        FOUND_BLOCKERS=""
+        for blocker in "${BLOCKING_LABELS[@]}"; do
+          if echo "$LABELS" | grep -qxF "$blocker"; then
+            if [ -n "$FOUND_BLOCKERS" ]; then
+              FOUND_BLOCKERS="$FOUND_BLOCKERS, \`$blocker\`"
+            else
+              FOUND_BLOCKERS="\`$blocker\`"
+            fi
+          fi
+        done
+
+        if [ -n "$FOUND_BLOCKERS" ]; then
+          gh pr edit "$PR_NUMBER" --add-label "policy/blocked-issue"
+          gh pr comment "$PR_NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<COMMENT
+        ## Automated Policy Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because the linked issue (#$ISSUE_NUMBER) has not been unblocked for external contribution.
+
+        The issue currently has the following blocking label(s): $FOUND_BLOCKERS
+
+        Please wait for a maintainer to review and unblock the issue before opening a pull request. An issue is ready for external contribution when all blocking labels have been removed.
+
+        See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for full details.
+        COMMENT
+          )"
+          gh pr close "$PR_NUMBER"
+          exit 1
+        fi
+
+        echo "No blocking labels found on issue #$ISSUE_NUMBER. PR is allowed."
diff --git a/.github/workflows/slash-commands.yaml b/.github/workflows/slash-commands.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..9951df487d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/workflows/slash-commands.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,326 @@
+name: Slash Commands
+
+on:
+  issue_comment:
+    types:
+    - created
+
+permissions:
+  pull-requests: write
+  issues: write
+
+jobs:
+  issue-command:
+    name: Handle issue slash command
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    if: >-
+      !github.event.issue.pull_request &&
+      (
+        github.event.comment.author_association == 'MEMBER' ||
+        github.event.comment.author_association == 'OWNER'
+      ) &&
+      startsWith(github.event.comment.body, '/')
+    steps:
+    - name: Harden the runner (Audit all outbound calls)
+      uses: step-security/harden-runner@fe104658747b27e96e4f7e80cd0a94068e53901d # v2.16.1
+      with:
+        egress-policy: audit
+
+    - name: Process command
+      env:
+        GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.AKUITYBOT_PAT }}
+        GH_REPO: ${{ github.repository }}
+        NUMBER: ${{ github.event.issue.number }}
+        COMMENT_BODY: ${{ github.event.comment.body }}
+      run: |
+        COMMAND=$(echo "$COMMENT_BODY" | head -1 | awk '{print $1}')
+        ARG=$(echo "$COMMENT_BODY" | head -1 | awk '{print $2}' | tr -d '#')
+
+        case "$COMMAND" in
+
+          /discuss)
+            gh issue edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "needs discussion"
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Discussion Needed
+
+        A maintainer has indicated that this issue requires further discussion before any implementation work should begin.
+
+        Please do not open a pull request for this issue until the discussion has concluded and all blocking labels have been removed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /duplicate)
+            if [ -z "$ARG" ]; then
+              echo "::error::Usage: /duplicate #<number>"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<MSG
+        ## Duplicate
+
+        This has been closed as a duplicate of #$ARG.
+
+        Please follow the linked issue for updates.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh issue edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "duplicate"
+            gh issue close "$NUMBER" --reason "not planned"
+            ;;
+
+          /enterprise)
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Already Planned for Kargo Enterprise
+
+        Thank you for your suggestion. This is something already planned for (or already available in) [Kargo Enterprise](https://akuity.io). As such, it will not be implemented in the open source project.
+
+        For more information about enterprise features and support, please contact [Akuity](https://akuity.io) directly.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh issue close "$NUMBER" --reason "not planned"
+            ;;
+
+          /maintainer)
+            gh issue edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "maintainer only"
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Maintainer Only
+
+        A maintainer has indicated that this issue will only be worked on by the maintainer team due to its size, complexity, or sensitivity.
+
+        External pull requests for this issue will be closed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /research)
+            gh issue edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "needs research"
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Research Needed
+
+        A maintainer has indicated that this issue needs further investigation or research before any implementation work should begin.
+
+        Please do not open a pull request for this issue until the research has concluded and all blocking labels have been removed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /unblock)
+            for label in "kind/proposal" "needs discussion" "needs research"; do
+              gh issue edit "$NUMBER" --remove-label "$label" 2>/dev/null || true
+            done
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Unblocked for Contribution
+
+        A maintainer has unblocked this issue for external contribution. Process-blocking labels have been removed.
+
+        If you would like to work on this, please comment to indicate your intent.
+
+        Wait for a maintainer to acknowledge your comment and formally assign the issue to you before starting work. This ensures multiple contributors do not duplicate effort on the same issue.
+
+        When you open a pull request, reference this issue using `Closes #<number>`.
+
+        Before starting, confirm the issue has no remaining blocking labels. See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for details.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /help)
+            gh issue comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Available Slash Commands
+
+        | Command | Description |
+        |---------|-------------|
+        | `/discuss` | Add `needs discussion` label; blocks work |
+        | `/duplicate #N` | Close as duplicate of #N |
+        | `/enterprise` | Close as already planned for Kargo Enterprise |
+        | `/maintainer` | Add `maintainer only` label; blocks external contribution |
+        | `/research` | Add `needs research` label; blocks work |
+        | `/unblock` | Remove process-blocking labels; unblocks work |
+        | `/help` | Show this list |
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          *)
+            echo "Unknown command: $COMMAND"
+            exit 0
+            ;;
+        esac
+
+  pr-command:
+    name: Handle PR slash command
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    if: >-
+      github.event.issue.pull_request &&
+      (
+        github.event.comment.author_association == 'MEMBER' ||
+        github.event.comment.author_association == 'OWNER'
+      ) &&
+      startsWith(github.event.comment.body, '/')
+    steps:
+    - name: Harden the runner (Audit all outbound calls)
+      uses: step-security/harden-runner@fe104658747b27e96e4f7e80cd0a94068e53901d # v2.16.1
+      with:
+        egress-policy: audit
+
+    - name: Process command
+      env:
+        GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.AKUITYBOT_PAT }}
+        GH_REPO: ${{ github.repository }}
+        NUMBER: ${{ github.event.issue.number }}
+        COMMENT_BODY: ${{ github.event.comment.body }}
+      run: |
+        COMMAND=$(echo "$COMMENT_BODY" | head -1 | awk '{print $1}')
+        ARG=$(echo "$COMMENT_BODY" | head -1 | awk '{print $2}' | tr -d '#')
+
+        case "$COMMAND" in
+
+          /discuss)
+            gh pr edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "needs discussion"
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Discussion Needed
+
+        A maintainer has indicated that further discussion is needed before this pull request can be merged.
+
+        Please do not merge this PR until the discussion has concluded and all blocking labels have been removed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /duplicate)
+            if [ -z "$ARG" ]; then
+              echo "::error::Usage: /duplicate #<number>"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<MSG
+        ## Duplicate
+
+        This has been closed as a duplicate of #$ARG.
+
+        Please follow the linked issue for updates.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "duplicate"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /enterprise)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Already Planned for Kargo Enterprise
+
+        Thank you for your suggestion. This is something already planned for (or already available in) [Kargo Enterprise](https://akuity.io). As such, it will not be implemented in the open source project.
+
+        For more information about enterprise features and support, please contact [Akuity](https://akuity.io) directly.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /maintainer)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Contribution Policy Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because the linked issue is designated as maintainer-only. This typically indicates the work requires deep familiarity with Kargo internals or touches particularly sensitive areas of the codebase.
+
+        See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for details.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /premature)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Contribution Policy Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because the linked issue has not been unblocked for external contribution. The issue still carries one or more blocking labels, indicating it is not ready for work.
+
+        Please wait for a maintainer to unblock the issue before opening a pull request. An issue is ready for contribution when all blocking labels have been removed.
+
+        See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for details.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /quality)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Quality Standards Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because it does not meet the project's quality standards for review.
+
+        All pull requests must be authored and reviewed by a human. AI-assisted coding is acceptable, but every line must be understood and verified by the submitter. Submissions that appear to be generated without meaningful human review will be closed.
+
+        If you believe this was in error, please review the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide), ensure your changes meet project standards, and open a new pull request.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /research)
+            gh pr edit "$NUMBER" --add-label "needs research"
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Research Needed
+
+        A maintainer has indicated that further investigation or research is needed before this pull request can be merged.
+
+        Please do not merge this PR until the research has concluded and all blocking labels have been removed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /unblock)
+            for label in "needs discussion" "needs research"; do
+              gh pr edit "$NUMBER" --remove-label "$label" 2>/dev/null || true
+            done
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Unblocked for Merge
+
+        A maintainer has removed blocking labels from this pull request. Review may now proceed.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          /unsolicited)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Contribution Policy Notice
+
+        This pull request has been closed because it does not reference an unblocked issue.
+
+        All contributions require a linked, unblocked issue to ensure that proposed changes have been reviewed by maintainers before effort is invested.
+
+        **To contribute:**
+
+        1. Open a [Bug Report](https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/issues/new?template=bug_report.yml) or [Feature Request](https://github.com/${{ github.repository }}/issues/new?template=feature_request.yml)
+        2. Wait for a maintainer to review the issue and remove any blocking labels
+        3. Reference the issue in your PR using `Closes #<number>`
+
+        See the [Contributor Guide](https://docs.kargo.io/contributor-guide) for details.
+        MSG
+            )"
+            gh pr close "$NUMBER"
+            ;;
+
+          /help)
+            gh pr comment "$NUMBER" --body "$(cat <<'MSG'
+        ## Available Slash Commands
+
+        | Command | Description |
+        |---------|-------------|
+        | `/discuss` | Add `needs discussion` label; blocks merge |
+        | `/duplicate #N` | Close as duplicate of #N |
+        | `/enterprise` | Close as already planned for Kargo Enterprise |
+        | `/maintainer` | Close; linked issue is maintainer-only |
+        | `/premature` | Close; linked issue is not unblocked |
+        | `/quality` | Close; does not meet quality standards |
+        | `/research` | Add `needs research` label; blocks merge |
+        | `/unblock` | Remove blocking labels; unblocks merge |
+        | `/unsolicited` | Close; no linked issue |
+        | `/help` | Show this list |
+        MSG
+            )"
+            ;;
+
+          *)
+            echo "Unknown command: $COMMAND"
+            exit 0
+            ;;
+        esac
diff --git a/docs/docs/60-contributor-guide/index.md b/docs/docs/60-contributor-guide/index.md
index acd5e36762..3e27f05d2f 100644
--- a/docs/docs/60-contributor-guide/index.md
+++ b/docs/docs/60-contributor-guide/index.md
@@ -1,27 +1,98 @@
 ---
-description: A comprehensive introduction for developers who are looking to get involved with contributing directly to the Kargo project
+description: Policies and procedures for contributing to the Kargo project
 sidebar_label: Contributor Guide
 ---
 
-# Kargo Contributor's Guide
+# Contributor Guide
 
-This contributor guide is intended as a comprehensive introduction for
-developers who are looking to get involved with contributing directly to the
-Kargo project.
+This guide defines the policies and procedures for contributing to Kargo. Please
+read it in full before opening issues or pull requests.
+
+## Process Overview
+
+Kargo follows an **issue-first contribution model**. Unless authored by a
+maintainer, all code contributions require a linked issue that has been reviewed
+and unblocked by maintainers in advance.
 
 :::caution
 
 Ideas and contributions from the community are always welcome, however, items
 not appearing on the [roadmap](../100-roadmap.md) are reviewed on a best-effort
-basis.
-
-If you would like to contribute, please avoid wasted or duplicated effort by
-discussing feature requests and design proposals with maintainers prior to
-starting work. While we cannot guarantee specific timelines or outcomes, we
-value and consider every submission.
+basis. While we cannot guarantee specific timelines or outcomes, we value and
+consider every submission.
 
 :::
 
+1. **Open an issue** using the
+   [Bug Report](https://github.com/akuity/kargo/issues/new?template=bug_report.yml)
+   or
+   [Feature Request](https://github.com/akuity/kargo/issues/new?template=feature_request.yml)
+   template.
+
+1. **Wait for maintainer review.** Maintainers will triage the issue, ask
+   clarifying questions, and determine whether the work aligns with the
+   project's priorities and [roadmap](../100-roadmap.md).
+
+1. **Wait for the issue to be unblocked.** When an issue is ready for external
+   contribution, a maintainer will remove all blocking labels. **Do not begin
+   work while any blocking labels are present.**
+
+1. **Open a pull request** that references the unblocked issue using
+   `Closes #<number>` in the PR body.
+
+## Blocking Labels
+
+The following labels indicate an issue is **not ready for external
+contribution**. Pull requests linked to issues carrying any of these labels will
+be automatically closed.
+
+| Label | Meaning |
+| ----- | ------- |
+| `kind/proposal` | Feature request under consideration. Not yet unblocked. |
+| `needs discussion` | Needs further discussion before any work begins. |
+| `needs research` | Needs investigation or research before work begins. |
+| `maintainer only` | Reserved for maintainers due to size, complexity, or sensitivity. |
+| `area/security` | Involves security-sensitive code. Maintainer-coordinated only. |
+| `size/large` | Large scope. Requires maintainer coordination. |
+| `size/x-large` | Very large scope. Requires maintainer coordination. |
+| `size/xx-large` | Extremely large scope. Requires maintainer coordination. |
+
+An issue is ready for external contribution when **none** of these labels are
+present.
+
+## Automatic Enforcement
+
+Pull requests that do not observe the process described above are
+**automatically closed**. This includes:
+
+- PRs with no linked issue.
+
+- PRs linked to issues that still carry blocking labels.
+
+- Unsolicited PRs (no corresponding issue exists).
+
+This enforcement applies to external contributors only. Maintainers are exempt.
+
+## Quality Expectations
+
+All pull requests must:
+
+- Be authored and reviewed by a human. AI-assisted coding is acceptable, but
+  every line must be understood and verified by the submitter. Submissions that
+  appear to be generated without meaningful human review will be closed.
+
+- Include appropriate tests for new and modified code.
+
+- Follow existing code conventions and patterns.
+
+- Include DCO sign-off on all commits (see [Signing Commits](signing-commits)).
+
+- Include documentation updates where user-facing behavior has changed.
+
+Cryptographic signing of all commits is strongly encouraged.
+
+## Specific Topics
+
 import DocCardList from '@theme/DocCardList';
 
 <DocCardList />