diff --git a/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py b/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py
index 2fda88e0..051f60cd 100644
--- a/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py
+++ b/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py
@@ -55,6 +55,15 @@ def status(ctx):
         print(f"Latest Commit: {status_info['latest_commit']}")
         print(f"Latest Tag: {status_info['latest_tag'] or 'None'}")
         print(f"Uncommitted Changes: {'Yes' if status_info['has_changes'] else 'No'}")
+
+        # Show unpushed tags
+        unpushed_tags = status_info.get('unpushed_tags', [])
+        if unpushed_tags:
+            print(f"\n⚠️  Unpushed Tags: {len(unpushed_tags)} tag(s) not pushed to origin")
+            for tag in unpushed_tags:
+                print(f"    - {tag}")
+            print(f"\n💡 Push tags with: git push origin {' '.join(unpushed_tags)}")
+            print(f"   Or push all tags: git push --tags")
     else:
         print("Git Repository: Not available")
 
diff --git a/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/git/manager.py b/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/git/manager.py
index 59fa162e..515873e4 100644
--- a/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/git/manager.py
+++ b/capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/git/manager.py
@@ -48,12 +48,16 @@ class GitManager:
             except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
                 latest_tag = None
 
+            # Get unpushed tags
+            unpushed_tags = self.get_unpushed_tags()
+
             return {
                 'is_repo': True,
                 'branch': current_branch,
                 'has_changes': has_changes,
                 'latest_commit': latest_commit,
-                'latest_tag': latest_tag
+                'latest_tag': latest_tag,
+                'unpushed_tags': unpushed_tags
             }
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
             return {'is_repo': False}
@@ -178,6 +182,47 @@ class GitManager:
         except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
             return None
 
+    def get_unpushed_tags(self, remote: str = 'origin') -> List[str]:
+        """Get list of tags that exist locally but not on remote.
+
+        Args:
+            remote: Remote name to compare against (default: 'origin')
+
+        Returns:
+            List of unpushed tag names
+        """
+        try:
+            # Get local tags
+            local_result = self._run_command(['git', 'tag', '-l'])
+            local_tags = set(tag.strip() for tag in local_result.stdout.strip().split('\n') if tag.strip())
+
+            # Get remote tags
+            try:
+                remote_result = self._run_command(['git', 'ls-remote', '--tags', remote])
+                remote_lines = remote_result.stdout.strip().split('\n')
+
+                # Parse remote tags (format: "hash refs/tags/tagname")
+                remote_tags = set()
+                for line in remote_lines:
+                    if not line:
+                        continue
+                    parts = line.split('refs/tags/')
+                    if len(parts) > 1:
+                        # Remove ^{} suffix for annotated tags
+                        tag_name = parts[1].replace('^{}', '')
+                        remote_tags.add(tag_name)
+
+                # Find tags that are local but not remote
+                unpushed = sorted(local_tags - remote_tags)
+                return unpushed
+
+            except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
+                # Remote not available, assume all tags are unpushed
+                return sorted(local_tags)
+
+        except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
+            return []
+
     def _run_command(self, cmd: List[str]) -> subprocess.CompletedProcess:
         """Run a git command.
 
diff --git a/roadmap/260106-release-management-optimization/IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md b/roadmap/260106-release-management-optimization/IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..24bdabdb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/roadmap/260106-release-management-optimization/IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md
@@ -0,0 +1,587 @@
+# Release Management Optimization Implementation Plan
+
+**Date**: 2026-01-06
+**Status**: Ready to implement
+**Total Optimizations**: 9
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Order
+
+### Phase 1: High Priority (Critical Issues) - 5 hours
+1. Git status enhancement for unpushed tags (1 hour)
+2. Automated tag pushing (1 hour)
+3. CHANGELOG validation in release flow (2 hours)
+4. Version-tag consistency check (1 hour)
+
+### Phase 2: Medium Priority (UX & Automation) - 5.5 hours
+5. CHANGELOG section generation (3 hours)
+6. Explicit version command (30 minutes)
+7. Release summary auto-generation (2 hours)
+
+### Phase 3: Low Priority (Nice to Have) - 3 hours
+8. Schema auto-ingestion (1 hour)
+9. Release notes from CHANGELOG (2 hours)
+
+**Total Estimated Time**: 13.5 hours
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #1: Git Status Enhancement for Unpushed Tags
+
+**Priority**: HIGH
+**Estimated**: 1 hour
+**Files**: `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/core/status.py`
+
+### Implementation Approach
+
+**Option 1**: Enhance `release status` command (RECOMMENDED)
+- Add unpushed tag detection to ReleaseStatus class
+- Compare local tags with remote tags
+- Display unpushed tags prominently
+
+**Option 2**: Git post-commit hook
+- Create .git/hooks/post-commit script
+- Automatic check after each commit
+- Less portable (per-clone setup)
+
+**Option 3**: Git alias
+- Add custom git alias in .gitconfig
+- User needs to remember to use it
+
+### Implementation Details
+
+```python
+# In ReleaseStatus class
+def get_unpushed_tags(self) -> List[str]:
+    """Get list of tags not pushed to origin."""
+    # Get local tags
+    local_tags = subprocess.run(
+        ['git', 'tag', '-l'],
+        capture_output=True, text=True
+    ).stdout.strip().split('\n')
+
+    # Get remote tags
+    remote_tags = subprocess.run(
+        ['git', 'ls-remote', '--tags', 'origin'],
+        capture_output=True, text=True
+    ).stdout
+
+    remote_tag_names = [
+        line.split('refs/tags/')[1]
+        for line in remote_tags.split('\n')
+        if 'refs/tags/' in line
+    ]
+
+    return [tag for tag in local_tags if tag and tag not in remote_tag_names]
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ `release status` shows unpushed tags
+- ✅ Clear warning when tags haven't been pushed
+- ✅ Works with multiple remotes
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #2: Automated Tag Pushing
+
+**Priority**: HIGH
+**Estimated**: 1 hour
+**Files**: `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Add `--push` flag to `release tag` command:
+
+```python
+@click.command()
+@click.argument('version')
+@click.option('--push/--no-push', default=False,
+              help='Automatically push tag to origin after creating')
+@click.option('--message', '-m', help='Tag annotation message')
+def tag(version, push, message):
+    """Create git tag for version."""
+    # Existing tag creation logic
+
+    if push:
+        click.echo(f"Pushing tag {tag_name} to origin...")
+        git_manager.push_tag(tag_name)
+        click.echo("✅ Tag pushed successfully")
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ `release tag v0.11.0 --push` creates AND pushes tag
+- ✅ Works with existing tag logic
+- ✅ Error handling for push failures
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #3: CHANGELOG Validation in Release Flow
+
+**Priority**: HIGH
+**Estimated**: 2 hours
+**Files**:
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/validators/changelog_validator.py` (new)
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Create ChangelogValidator class:
+
+```python
+class ChangelogValidator:
+    """Validates CHANGELOG.md using changelog schema."""
+
+    def __init__(self, changelog_path: Path = Path("CHANGELOG.md")):
+        self.changelog_path = changelog_path
+        self.schema_path = Path("markitect/schemas/changelog-schema-v1.0.md")
+
+    def validate(self) -> ValidationResult:
+        """Validate CHANGELOG with schema."""
+        # Use markitect validate command
+        result = subprocess.run([
+            'markitect', 'validate', str(self.changelog_path),
+            '--schema', str(self.schema_path),
+            '--semantic'
+        ], capture_output=True, text=True)
+
+        return ValidationResult.from_output(result.stdout, result.returncode)
+
+    def check_version_exists(self, version: str) -> bool:
+        """Check if version section exists in CHANGELOG."""
+        with open(self.changelog_path) as f:
+            content = f.read()
+        return f"## [{version}]" in content
+```
+
+Integrate into `release validate` command:
+
+```python
+@click.command()
+def validate():
+    """Validate repository state for release readiness."""
+    # Existing validations...
+
+    # Add CHANGELOG validation
+    changelog_validator = ChangelogValidator()
+    result = changelog_validator.validate()
+
+    if not result.is_valid:
+        click.echo("❌ CHANGELOG validation failed:")
+        for error in result.errors:
+            click.echo(f"  - {error}")
+        sys.exit(1)
+
+    click.echo("✅ CHANGELOG is valid")
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ `release validate` checks CHANGELOG.md
+- ✅ Validates using changelog-schema-v1.0.md
+- ✅ Reports errors clearly
+- ✅ Prevents release if invalid
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #4: Version-Tag Consistency Check
+
+**Priority**: HIGH
+**Estimated**: 1 hour
+**Files**: `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/validators/changelog_validator.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Add to ChangelogValidator:
+
+```python
+def check_version_tag_consistency(self, target_version: str) -> ConsistencyResult:
+    """Check CHANGELOG version matches git describe."""
+    # Check CHANGELOG has section
+    if not self.check_version_exists(target_version):
+        return ConsistencyResult(
+            is_consistent=False,
+            message=f"CHANGELOG missing section for {target_version}"
+        )
+
+    # Check git tag exists
+    tags = subprocess.run(
+        ['git', 'tag', '-l', f'v{target_version}'],
+        capture_output=True, text=True
+    ).stdout.strip()
+
+    if not tags:
+        return ConsistencyResult(
+            is_consistent=False,
+            message=f"Git tag v{target_version} doesn't exist"
+        )
+
+    # Check Unreleased section exists
+    with open(self.changelog_path) as f:
+        if "## [Unreleased]" not in f.read():
+            return ConsistencyResult(
+                is_consistent=False,
+                message="CHANGELOG missing [Unreleased] section"
+            )
+
+    return ConsistencyResult(is_consistent=True)
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ Detects CHANGELOG/tag mismatches
+- ✅ Ensures Unreleased section exists
+- ✅ Integrated into `release validate`
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #5: CHANGELOG Section Generation
+
+**Priority**: MEDIUM
+**Estimated**: 3 hours
+**Files**:
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/changelog/editor.py` (new)
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Create ChangelogEditor class:
+
+```python
+class ChangelogEditor:
+    """Edit CHANGELOG.md programmatically."""
+
+    def create_version_section(self, version: str, date: str = None):
+        """Create new version section and move Unreleased content."""
+        if date is None:
+            date = datetime.now().strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
+
+        with open(self.changelog_path) as f:
+            lines = f.readlines()
+
+        # Find Unreleased section
+        unreleased_idx = None
+        for i, line in enumerate(lines):
+            if line.strip() == "## [Unreleased]":
+                unreleased_idx = i
+                break
+
+        if unreleased_idx is None:
+            raise ValueError("No [Unreleased] section found")
+
+        # Find next version section or end
+        next_section_idx = None
+        for i in range(unreleased_idx + 1, len(lines)):
+            if lines[i].startswith("## ["):
+                next_section_idx = i
+                break
+
+        # Extract Unreleased content
+        if next_section_idx:
+            unreleased_content = lines[unreleased_idx+1:next_section_idx]
+        else:
+            unreleased_content = lines[unreleased_idx+1:]
+
+        # Create new version section
+        new_section = [
+            f"## [{version}] - {date}\n",
+            "\n"
+        ] + unreleased_content + ["\n"]
+
+        # Insert after Unreleased
+        new_lines = (
+            lines[:unreleased_idx+2] +  # Keep Unreleased header + blank line
+            new_section +
+            (lines[next_section_idx:] if next_section_idx else [])
+        )
+
+        # Write back
+        with open(self.changelog_path, 'w') as f:
+            f.writelines(new_lines)
+```
+
+Add `release prepare` command:
+
+```python
+@click.command()
+@click.argument('version')
+@click.option('--date', default=None, help='Release date (YYYY-MM-DD)')
+def prepare(version, date):
+    """Prepare CHANGELOG for new version release."""
+    editor = ChangelogEditor()
+    editor.create_version_section(version, date)
+
+    # Validate result
+    validator = ChangelogValidator()
+    result = validator.validate()
+
+    if result.is_valid:
+        click.echo(f"✅ Created [{version}] section in CHANGELOG.md")
+    else:
+        click.echo("⚠️ CHANGELOG validation failed after edit")
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ `release prepare v0.11.0` creates section
+- ✅ Moves Unreleased content to new section
+- ✅ Validates result
+- ✅ Preserves formatting
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #6: Explicit Version Command
+
+**Priority**: MEDIUM
+**Estimated**: 30 minutes
+**Files**: `markitect/cli.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Add version subcommand to markitect CLI:
+
+```python
+@cli.command()
+def version():
+    """Show detailed version information."""
+    from markitect.__version__ import get_version_info
+
+    info = get_version_info()
+
+    click.echo(f"MarkiTect version: {info['version']}")
+    click.echo(f"Latest git tag: {info.get('latest_tag', 'N/A')}")
+    click.echo(f"Commits since tag: {info.get('commits_since_tag', 'N/A')}")
+    click.echo(f"Working tree: {'clean' if info.get('clean', False) else 'dirty'}")
+    click.echo(f"Current commit: {info.get('commit_hash', 'N/A')}")
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ `markitect version` works
+- ✅ Shows more detail than `--version`
+- ✅ Backwards compatible with `--version`
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #7: Release Summary Auto-Generation
+
+**Priority**: MEDIUM
+**Estimated**: 2 hours
+**Files**:
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/summary/generator.py` (new)
+- `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/cli/main.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Create SummaryGenerator:
+
+```python
+class SummaryGenerator:
+    """Generate release summary from CHANGELOG and git metadata."""
+
+    def generate(self, version: str) -> str:
+        """Generate RELEASE_SUMMARY.md content."""
+        # Extract CHANGELOG section
+        changelog_section = self.extract_changelog_section(version)
+
+        # Get git statistics
+        stats = self.get_git_statistics(version)
+
+        # Build summary
+        template = f"""# MarkiTect {version} Release Summary
+
+**Release Date**: {stats['release_date']}
+**Tag**: v{version}
+
+## Changes
+
+{changelog_section}
+
+## Git Statistics
+
+- **Commits**: {stats['commit_count']}
+- **Files Changed**: {stats['files_changed']}
+- **Insertions**: +{stats['insertions']}
+- **Deletions**: -{stats['deletions']}
+
+## Build Artifacts
+
+{self.list_build_artifacts()}
+
+## Validation
+
+{self.get_validation_results()}
+"""
+        return template
+```
+
+Add `release summary` command:
+
+```python
+@click.command()
+@click.argument('version')
+@click.option('--output', '-o', default='RELEASE_SUMMARY.md',
+              help='Output file path')
+def summary(version, output):
+    """Generate release summary document."""
+    generator = SummaryGenerator()
+    content = generator.generate(version)
+
+    Path(output).write_text(content)
+    click.echo(f"✅ Generated {output}")
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ Extracts CHANGELOG section
+- ✅ Includes git statistics
+- ✅ Lists build artifacts
+- ✅ Saves to file
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #8: Schema Auto-Ingestion
+
+**Priority**: LOW
+**Estimated**: 1 hour
+**Files**: `markitect/schema_loader.py`
+
+### Implementation
+
+Add auto-ingestion on build/install:
+
+```python
+def auto_ingest_schemas():
+    """Automatically ingest schemas from markitect/schemas/."""
+    schema_dir = Path(__file__).parent / "schemas"
+
+    for schema_file in schema_dir.glob("*-schema-v*.md"):
+        # Check if already ingested
+        if not is_schema_ingested(schema_file):
+            ingest_schema(schema_file)
+```
+
+Call from setup.py or as post-install hook.
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ New schemas auto-ingested on install
+- ✅ Doesn't re-ingest existing schemas
+- ✅ Works in development mode
+
+---
+
+## Optimization #9: Release Notes from CHANGELOG
+
+**Priority**: LOW
+**Estimated**: 2 hours
+**Files**: `capabilities/release-management/src/release_management/changelog/parser.py` (new)
+
+### Implementation
+
+Create ChangelogParser:
+
+```python
+class ChangelogParser:
+    """Parse CHANGELOG.md and extract sections."""
+
+    def extract_version_section(self, version: str) -> str:
+        """Extract content for specific version."""
+        # Parse CHANGELOG
+        # Find version section
+        # Extract content until next version
+        # Return formatted for release notes
+```
+
+Add `release notes` command:
+
+```python
+@click.command()
+@click.argument('version')
+@click.option('--format', type=click.Choice(['markdown', 'plain', 'html']),
+              default='markdown')
+def notes(version, format):
+    """Extract release notes from CHANGELOG."""
+    parser = ChangelogParser()
+    content = parser.extract_version_section(version)
+
+    if format == 'html':
+        # Convert to HTML
+        pass
+
+    click.echo(content)
+```
+
+### Success Criteria
+- ✅ Extracts version section
+- ✅ Multiple output formats
+- ✅ Can pipe to gh release or gitea
+
+---
+
+## Testing Strategy
+
+### Per-Optimization Testing
+1. Unit tests for each new class/function
+2. Integration tests for CLI commands
+3. Manual testing with real scenarios
+
+### End-to-End Testing
+1. Test full release workflow: prepare → validate → tag → build → summary
+2. Test error cases (invalid CHANGELOG, missing tags, etc.)
+3. Test with v0.11.0 as real-world scenario
+
+### Regression Testing
+- Ensure existing release commands still work
+- Backward compatibility with current workflows
+- No breaking changes to public APIs
+
+---
+
+## Rollout Plan
+
+### Phase 1: Foundation (Day 1, 5 hours)
+Implement high-priority items that prevent errors:
+1. Git status enhancement
+2. Automated tag pushing
+3. CHANGELOG validation
+4. Version-tag consistency
+
+**Deliverable**: Robust validation preventing v0.10.0-style issues
+
+### Phase 2: Automation (Day 2, 5.5 hours)
+Implement medium-priority UX improvements:
+5. CHANGELOG section generation
+6. Explicit version command
+7. Release summary auto-generation
+
+**Deliverable**: Streamlined release workflow
+
+### Phase 3: Polish (Day 3, 3 hours)
+Implement low-priority nice-to-haves:
+8. Schema auto-ingestion
+9. Release notes extraction
+
+**Deliverable**: Complete automated release toolchain
+
+---
+
+## Success Metrics
+
+### Before Optimizations (v0.10.0)
+- Manual steps: 8
+- Errors: 2 (forgotten tags, version detection)
+- Time: ~3 hours
+- Documentation: Manual
+
+### After Optimizations (Target)
+- Manual steps: 2-3 (review, approve)
+- Errors: 0 (automated validation)
+- Time: ~1.5 hours (50% reduction)
+- Documentation: Auto-generated
+
+### Quality Improvements
+- ✅ No forgotten tag pushes (status + auto-push)
+- ✅ CHANGELOG always valid (schema validation)
+- ✅ Version consistency guaranteed (automated checks)
+- ✅ Consistent documentation (auto-generation)
+
+---
+
+**Plan Created**: 2026-01-06
+**Estimated Total Time**: 13.5 hours (3 days @ 4-5 hours/day)
+**Next Step**: Begin Phase 1 implementation