diff --git a/src/config.py b/src/config.py
index 712e5750..5b7b7342 100644
--- a/src/config.py
+++ b/src/config.py
@@ -304,6 +304,16 @@ class Settings(BaseSettings):
     mcp_timeout: int = 15
     mcp_bridge_timeout: int = 60  # HTTP timeout for MCP bridge Ollama calls (seconds)
 
+    # ── Backlog Triage Loop ────────────────────────────────────────────
+    # Autonomous loop: fetch open issues, score, assign to agents.
+    backlog_triage_enabled: bool = False
+    # Seconds between triage cycles (default: 15 minutes).
+    backlog_triage_interval_seconds: int = 900
+    # When True, score and summarize but don't write to Gitea.
+    backlog_triage_dry_run: bool = False
+    # Create a daily triage summary issue/comment.
+    backlog_triage_daily_summary: bool = True
+
     # ── Loop QA (Self-Testing) ─────────────────────────────────────────
     # Self-test orchestrator that probes capabilities alongside the thinking loop.
     loop_qa_enabled: bool = True
diff --git a/src/timmy/backlog_triage.py b/src/timmy/backlog_triage.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..935da163
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/timmy/backlog_triage.py
@@ -0,0 +1,759 @@
+"""Autonomous backlog triage loop — Timmy scans Gitea and assigns work.
+
+Continuously fetches open issues, scores/prioritizes them, and decides
+what to work on next without waiting to be asked.
+
+Loop flow::
+
+    while true:
+        1. Fetch all open issues from Gitea API
+        2. Score/prioritize by labels, age, type, blocked status
+        3. Identify unassigned high-priority items
+        4. Decide: assign to claude, dispatch to kimi, or flag for Alex
+        5. Execute the assignment (comment + assign)
+        6. Optionally post a daily triage summary
+        7. Sleep for configurable interval (default 15 min)
+
+Priority tiers:
+    P0 — security, data loss, blocking bugs → immediate action
+    P1 — core functionality, ready issues → next sprint
+    P2 — improvements, low-score issues → backlog
+    P3 — philosophy, meta → someday/never (skip in triage)
+
+Usage::
+
+    from timmy.backlog_triage import BacklogTriageLoop
+
+    loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+    await loop.run_once()           # single triage cycle
+    await loop.start()              # background daemon loop
+    loop.stop()                     # graceful shutdown
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import asyncio
+import logging
+import re
+from dataclasses import dataclass, field
+from datetime import UTC, datetime, timedelta
+from typing import Any
+
+import httpx
+
+from config import settings
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+# ── Constants ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Minimum triage score to be considered "ready" for assignment
+READY_THRESHOLD = 5
+
+# Agent Gitea logins
+AGENT_CLAUDE = "claude"
+AGENT_KIMI = "kimi"
+OWNER_LOGIN = "rockachopa"  # Alex — human owner
+
+# Labels
+KIMI_READY_LABEL = "kimi-ready"
+TRIAGE_DONE_LABEL = "triage-done"
+
+# Tag sets (mirrors scripts/triage_score.py)
+_BUG_TAGS = frozenset({"bug", "broken", "crash", "error", "fix", "regression", "hotfix"})
+_FEATURE_TAGS = frozenset({"feature", "feat", "enhancement", "capability", "timmy-capability"})
+_REFACTOR_TAGS = frozenset({"refactor", "cleanup", "tech-debt", "optimization", "perf"})
+_META_TAGS = frozenset({"philosophy", "soul-gap", "discussion", "question", "rfc"})
+_P0_TAGS = frozenset({"security", "data-loss", "blocking", "p0", "critical"})
+_RESEARCH_TAGS = frozenset({"research", "kimi-ready", "investigation", "spike"})
+_LOOP_TAG = "loop-generated"
+
+# Regex patterns for scoring
+_TAG_RE = re.compile(r"\[([^\]]+)\]")
+_FILE_RE = re.compile(r"(?:src/|tests/|scripts/|\.py|\.html|\.js|\.yaml|\.toml|\.sh)", re.IGNORECASE)
+_FUNC_RE = re.compile(r"(?:def |class |function |method |`\w+\(\)`)", re.IGNORECASE)
+_ACCEPT_RE = re.compile(
+    r"(?:should|must|expect|verify|assert|test.?case|acceptance|criteria"
+    r"|pass(?:es|ing)|fail(?:s|ing)|return(?:s)?|raise(?:s)?)",
+    re.IGNORECASE,
+)
+_TEST_RE = re.compile(r"(?:tox|pytest|test_\w+|\.test\.|assert\s)", re.IGNORECASE)
+_BLOCKED_RE = re.compile(r"\bblock(?:ed|s|ing)\b", re.IGNORECASE)
+
+
+# ── Data types ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ScoredIssue:
+    """A Gitea issue enriched with triage scoring."""
+
+    number: int
+    title: str
+    body: str
+    labels: list[str]
+    tags: set[str]
+    assignees: list[str]
+    created_at: datetime
+    issue_type: str  # bug | feature | refactor | philosophy | research | unknown
+
+    score: int = 0
+    scope: int = 0
+    acceptance: int = 0
+    alignment: int = 0
+    ready: bool = False
+    age_days: int = 0
+    is_p0: bool = False
+    is_blocked: bool = False
+
+    @property
+    def is_unassigned(self) -> bool:
+        return len(self.assignees) == 0
+
+    @property
+    def needs_kimi(self) -> bool:
+        return bool(self.tags & _RESEARCH_TAGS) or KIMI_READY_LABEL in self.labels
+
+
+@dataclass
+class TriageDecision:
+    """The outcome of a triage decision for a single issue."""
+
+    issue_number: int
+    action: str  # "assign_claude" | "assign_kimi" | "flag_alex" | "skip"
+    reason: str
+    agent: str = ""  # the agent assigned (login)
+    executed: bool = False
+    error: str = ""
+
+
+@dataclass
+class TriageCycleResult:
+    """Summary of one complete triage cycle."""
+
+    timestamp: str
+    total_open: int
+    scored: int
+    ready: int
+    decisions: list[TriageDecision] = field(default_factory=list)
+    errors: list[str] = field(default_factory=list)
+    duration_ms: int = 0
+
+
+# ── Scoring ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def _extract_tags(title: str, labels: list[str]) -> set[str]:
+    """Pull tags from [bracket] title notation + Gitea label names."""
+    tags: set[str] = set()
+    for m in _TAG_RE.finditer(title):
+        tags.add(m.group(1).lower().strip())
+    for lbl in labels:
+        tags.add(lbl.lower().strip())
+    return tags
+
+
+def _score_scope(title: str, body: str, tags: set[str]) -> int:
+    """0–3: How well-scoped is this issue?"""
+    text = f"{title}\n{body}"
+    score = 0
+    if _FILE_RE.search(text):
+        score += 1
+    if _FUNC_RE.search(text):
+        score += 1
+    clean = _TAG_RE.sub("", title).strip()
+    if len(clean) < 80:
+        score += 1
+    if tags & _META_TAGS:
+        score = max(0, score - 2)
+    return min(3, score)
+
+
+def _score_acceptance(title: str, body: str, tags: set[str]) -> int:
+    """0–3: Does this have clear acceptance criteria?"""
+    text = f"{title}\n{body}"
+    score = 0
+    matches = len(_ACCEPT_RE.findall(text))
+    if matches >= 3:
+        score += 2
+    elif matches >= 1:
+        score += 1
+    if _TEST_RE.search(text):
+        score += 1
+    if re.search(r"##\s*(problem|solution|expected|actual|steps)", body, re.IGNORECASE):
+        score += 1
+    if tags & _META_TAGS:
+        score = max(0, score - 1)
+    return min(3, score)
+
+
+def _score_alignment(title: str, body: str, tags: set[str]) -> int:
+    """0–3: How aligned is this with the north star?"""
+    score = 0
+    if tags & _BUG_TAGS:
+        return 3
+    if tags & _REFACTOR_TAGS:
+        score += 2
+    if tags & _FEATURE_TAGS:
+        score += 2
+    if _LOOP_TAG in tags:
+        score += 1
+    if tags & _META_TAGS:
+        score = 0
+    return min(3, score)
+
+
+def score_issue(issue: dict[str, Any]) -> ScoredIssue:
+    """Score and classify a raw Gitea issue dict."""
+    number = issue["number"]
+    title = issue.get("title", "")
+    body = issue.get("body") or ""
+    label_names = [lbl["name"] for lbl in issue.get("labels", [])]
+    tags = _extract_tags(title, label_names)
+    assignees = [a["login"] for a in issue.get("assignees", [])]
+
+    # Parse created_at
+    raw_ts = issue.get("created_at", "")
+    try:
+        created_at = datetime.fromisoformat(raw_ts.replace("Z", "+00:00"))
+    except (ValueError, AttributeError):
+        created_at = datetime.now(UTC)
+    age_days = (datetime.now(UTC) - created_at).days
+
+    # Scores
+    scope = _score_scope(title, body, tags)
+    acceptance = _score_acceptance(title, body, tags)
+    alignment = _score_alignment(title, body, tags)
+    total = scope + acceptance + alignment
+
+    # Classify
+    if tags & _BUG_TAGS:
+        issue_type = "bug"
+    elif tags & _RESEARCH_TAGS:
+        issue_type = "research"
+    elif tags & _FEATURE_TAGS:
+        issue_type = "feature"
+    elif tags & _REFACTOR_TAGS:
+        issue_type = "refactor"
+    elif tags & _META_TAGS:
+        issue_type = "philosophy"
+    else:
+        issue_type = "unknown"
+
+    is_p0 = bool(tags & _P0_TAGS) or issue_type == "bug"
+    is_blocked = bool(_BLOCKED_RE.search(title) or _BLOCKED_RE.search(body))
+
+    return ScoredIssue(
+        number=number,
+        title=_TAG_RE.sub("", title).strip(),
+        body=body,
+        labels=label_names,
+        tags=tags,
+        assignees=assignees,
+        created_at=created_at,
+        issue_type=issue_type,
+        score=total,
+        scope=scope,
+        acceptance=acceptance,
+        alignment=alignment,
+        ready=total >= READY_THRESHOLD,
+        age_days=age_days,
+        is_p0=is_p0,
+        is_blocked=is_blocked,
+    )
+
+
+# ── Decision logic ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def decide(issue: ScoredIssue) -> TriageDecision:
+    """Decide what to do with an issue.
+
+    Returns a TriageDecision with action, reason, and agent.
+    Decision is not yet executed — call execute_decision() for that.
+    """
+    num = issue.number
+
+    # Skip philosophy/meta — not dev-actionable
+    if issue.issue_type == "philosophy":
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="skip",
+            reason="Philosophy/meta issue — not dev-actionable in the triage loop.",
+        )
+
+    # Skip already-assigned issues
+    if not issue.is_unassigned:
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="skip",
+            reason=f"Already assigned to: {', '.join(issue.assignees)}.",
+        )
+
+    # Skip if not ready (low score)
+    if not issue.ready:
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="skip",
+            reason=f"Score {issue.score} < {READY_THRESHOLD} threshold — needs more detail before assignment.",
+        )
+
+    # Blocked: flag for Alex
+    if issue.is_blocked:
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="flag_alex",
+            agent=OWNER_LOGIN,
+            reason=(
+                "Issue appears blocked. Flagging for @rockachopa to unblock before autonomous assignment."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    # Research / Kimi-ready
+    if issue.needs_kimi:
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="assign_kimi",
+            agent=AGENT_KIMI,
+            reason=(
+                f"Issue type '{issue.issue_type}' with research/investigation scope. "
+                f"Assigning kimi-ready label for Kimi agent to pick up."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    # P0 bugs and blocking issues → Claude immediately
+    if issue.is_p0:
+        return TriageDecision(
+            issue_number=num,
+            action="assign_claude",
+            agent=AGENT_CLAUDE,
+            reason=(
+                f"P0/{issue.issue_type} issue (score={issue.score}, age={issue.age_days}d). "
+                f"Assigning to Claude Code for immediate attention."
+            ),
+        )
+
+    # Everything else that is ready → Claude Code
+    return TriageDecision(
+        issue_number=num,
+        action="assign_claude",
+        agent=AGENT_CLAUDE,
+        reason=(
+            f"Unassigned ready issue (type={issue.issue_type}, score={issue.score}, "
+            f"age={issue.age_days}d). Assigning to Claude Code."
+        ),
+    )
+
+
+# ── Gitea API client ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def _api_headers() -> dict[str, str]:
+    return {
+        "Authorization": f"token {settings.gitea_token}",
+        "Content-Type": "application/json",
+        "Accept": "application/json",
+    }
+
+
+def _repo_url(path: str) -> str:
+    owner, repo = settings.gitea_repo.split("/", 1)
+    return f"{settings.gitea_url}/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/{path}"
+
+
+async def fetch_open_issues(client: httpx.AsyncClient) -> list[dict[str, Any]]:
+    """Fetch all open issues from Gitea, paginating as needed."""
+    all_issues: list[dict[str, Any]] = []
+    page = 1
+    while True:
+        url = _repo_url(f"issues?state=open&type=issues&limit=50&page={page}")
+        try:
+            resp = await client.get(url, headers=_api_headers())
+            if resp.status_code != 200:
+                logger.warning("Gitea issues fetch failed (HTTP %s)", resp.status_code)
+                break
+            batch: list[dict[str, Any]] = resp.json()
+            if not batch:
+                break
+            all_issues.extend(batch)
+            if len(batch) < 50:
+                break
+            page += 1
+        except (httpx.ConnectError, httpx.ReadError, httpx.TimeoutException) as exc:
+            logger.warning("Gitea connection error fetching issues: %s", exc)
+            break
+    return all_issues
+
+
+async def post_comment(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient,
+    issue_number: int,
+    body: str,
+) -> bool:
+    """Post a comment on a Gitea issue. Returns True on success."""
+    url = _repo_url(f"issues/{issue_number}/comments")
+    try:
+        resp = await client.post(url, headers=_api_headers(), json={"body": body})
+        return resp.status_code in (200, 201)
+    except (httpx.ConnectError, httpx.ReadError, httpx.TimeoutException) as exc:
+        logger.warning("Failed to post comment on #%d: %s", issue_number, exc)
+        return False
+
+
+async def assign_issue(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient,
+    issue_number: int,
+    assignee: str,
+) -> bool:
+    """Assign an issue to a Gitea user. Returns True on success."""
+    url = _repo_url(f"issues/{issue_number}")
+    try:
+        resp = await client.patch(
+            url,
+            headers=_api_headers(),
+            json={"assignees": [assignee]},
+        )
+        return resp.status_code in (200, 201)
+    except (httpx.ConnectError, httpx.ReadError, httpx.TimeoutException) as exc:
+        logger.warning("Failed to assign #%d to %s: %s", issue_number, assignee, exc)
+        return False
+
+
+async def add_label(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient,
+    issue_number: int,
+    label_name: str,
+) -> bool:
+    """Add a label to a Gitea issue by name (auto-creates if missing). Returns True on success."""
+    owner, repo = settings.gitea_repo.split("/", 1)
+    labels_url = f"{settings.gitea_url}/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/labels"
+    headers = _api_headers()
+
+    try:
+        # Fetch existing labels
+        resp = await client.get(labels_url, headers=headers)
+        if resp.status_code != 200:
+            return False
+        existing = {lbl["name"]: lbl["id"] for lbl in resp.json()}
+
+        if label_name in existing:
+            label_id = existing[label_name]
+        else:
+            # Auto-create the label
+            create_resp = await client.post(
+                labels_url,
+                headers=headers,
+                json={"name": label_name, "color": "#006b75"},
+            )
+            if create_resp.status_code not in (200, 201):
+                return False
+            label_id = create_resp.json()["id"]
+
+        # Apply to the issue
+        apply_url = _repo_url(f"issues/{issue_number}/labels")
+        apply_resp = await client.post(
+            apply_url, headers=headers, json={"labels": [label_id]}
+        )
+        return apply_resp.status_code in (200, 201)
+
+    except (httpx.ConnectError, httpx.ReadError, httpx.TimeoutException) as exc:
+        logger.warning("Failed to add label %r to #%d: %s", label_name, issue_number, exc)
+        return False
+
+
+# ── Decision execution ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+async def execute_decision(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient,
+    decision: TriageDecision,
+    dry_run: bool = False,
+) -> TriageDecision:
+    """Execute a triage decision — comment + assign/label.
+
+    When dry_run=True, logs the decision but makes no Gitea API calls.
+    Returns the updated decision with executed=True on success.
+    """
+    num = decision.issue_number
+
+    if decision.action == "skip":
+        logger.debug("Triage skip #%d: %s", num, decision.reason)
+        decision.executed = True
+        return decision
+
+    audit_comment = _build_audit_comment(decision)
+
+    if dry_run:
+        logger.info(
+            "[DRY RUN] #%d → %s (%s): %s",
+            num,
+            decision.action,
+            decision.agent,
+            decision.reason,
+        )
+        decision.executed = True
+        return decision
+
+    # Post audit comment first (always, so Alex can see reasoning)
+    comment_ok = await post_comment(client, num, audit_comment)
+    if not comment_ok:
+        decision.error = "Failed to post audit comment"
+        logger.warning("Triage #%d: comment failed", num)
+        return decision
+
+    # Execute assignment
+    ok = False
+    if decision.action == "assign_claude":
+        ok = await assign_issue(client, num, AGENT_CLAUDE)
+    elif decision.action == "assign_kimi":
+        ok = await add_label(client, num, KIMI_READY_LABEL)
+    elif decision.action == "flag_alex":
+        # Comment already posted above — that's sufficient for flagging
+        ok = True
+
+    if ok:
+        decision.executed = True
+        logger.info("Triage #%d → %s OK", num, decision.action)
+    else:
+        decision.error = f"Action {decision.action!r} failed"
+        logger.warning("Triage #%d: action %r failed", num, decision.action)
+
+    return decision
+
+
+def _build_audit_comment(decision: TriageDecision) -> str:
+    """Build the audit trail comment that Alex can read to see reasoning."""
+    ts = datetime.now(UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M UTC")
+    action_text = {
+        "assign_claude": f"Assigning to @{AGENT_CLAUDE} for implementation.",
+        "assign_kimi": f"Adding `{KIMI_READY_LABEL}` label — queuing for Kimi research agent.",
+        "flag_alex": f"Flagging for @{OWNER_LOGIN} — issue appears blocked or needs human decision.",
+    }.get(decision.action, decision.action)
+
+    return (
+        f"**[Timmy Triage — {ts}]**\n\n"
+        f"**Decision:** {action_text}\n\n"
+        f"**Why:** {decision.reason}\n\n"
+        f"*Autonomous triage by Timmy. Reply to override.*"
+    )
+
+
+# ── Daily summary ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def _build_daily_summary(result: TriageCycleResult, scored: list[ScoredIssue]) -> str:
+    """Build the daily triage summary body."""
+    now = datetime.now(UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M UTC")
+    assigned = [d for d in result.decisions if d.executed and d.action != "skip"]
+    skipped = [d for d in result.decisions if d.action == "skip"]
+
+    lines = [
+        f"# Timmy Backlog Triage — {now}",
+        "",
+        f"**Open issues:** {result.total_open}  |  "
+        f"**Scored:** {result.scored}  |  "
+        f"**Ready:** {result.ready}  |  "
+        f"**Assigned this cycle:** {len(assigned)}",
+        "",
+        "## Top 10 Ready Issues (by score)",
+        "",
+    ]
+
+    top = sorted([s for s in scored if s.ready], key=lambda s: (-s.score, s.number))[:10]
+    for s in top:
+        flag = "🐛" if s.issue_type == "bug" else "⚡" if s.is_p0 else "✦"
+        lines.append(
+            f"- {flag} **#{s.number}** (score={s.score}, age={s.age_days}d) — {s.title[:80]}"
+        )
+
+    if assigned:
+        lines += ["", "## Actions Taken", ""]
+        for d in assigned:
+            lines.append(f"- #{d.issue_number} → `{d.action}` ({d.agent}): {d.reason[:100]}")
+
+    if skipped:
+        lines += ["", f"## Skipped ({len(skipped)} issues)", ""]
+        for d in skipped[:5]:
+            lines.append(f"- #{d.issue_number}: {d.reason[:80]}")
+        if len(skipped) > 5:
+            lines.append(f"- … and {len(skipped) - 5} more")
+
+    lines += [
+        "",
+        "---",
+        "*Auto-generated by Timmy's backlog triage loop. "
+        "Override any decision by reassigning or commenting.*",
+    ]
+    return "\n".join(lines)
+
+
+async def post_daily_summary(
+    client: httpx.AsyncClient,
+    result: TriageCycleResult,
+    scored: list[ScoredIssue],
+    dry_run: bool = False,
+) -> bool:
+    """Post a daily triage summary as a new Gitea issue."""
+    today = datetime.now(UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
+    title = f"[Triage] Daily backlog summary — {today}"
+    body = _build_daily_summary(result, scored)
+
+    if dry_run:
+        logger.info("[DRY RUN] Would post daily summary: %s", title)
+        return True
+
+    url = _repo_url("issues")
+    try:
+        resp = await client.post(
+            url,
+            headers=_api_headers(),
+            json={
+                "title": title,
+                "body": body,
+                "labels": [],
+            },
+        )
+        if resp.status_code in (200, 201):
+            issue_num = resp.json().get("number", "?")
+            logger.info("Daily triage summary posted as issue #%s", issue_num)
+            return True
+        logger.warning("Daily summary post failed (HTTP %s)", resp.status_code)
+        return False
+    except (httpx.ConnectError, httpx.ReadError, httpx.TimeoutException) as exc:
+        logger.warning("Failed to post daily summary: %s", exc)
+        return False
+
+
+# ── Main loop class ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class BacklogTriageLoop:
+    """Autonomous backlog triage loop.
+
+    Fetches, scores, and assigns Gitea issues on a configurable interval.
+
+    Parameters
+    ----------
+    interval:
+        Seconds between triage cycles. Default: settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds.
+    dry_run:
+        When True, score and log decisions but don't write to Gitea.
+    daily_summary:
+        When True, post a daily triage summary issue after each cycle.
+    """
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        *,
+        interval: float | None = None,
+        dry_run: bool | None = None,
+        daily_summary: bool | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        self._interval = float(interval or settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds)
+        self._dry_run = dry_run if dry_run is not None else settings.backlog_triage_dry_run
+        self._daily_summary = (
+            daily_summary if daily_summary is not None else settings.backlog_triage_daily_summary
+        )
+        self._running = False
+        self._task: asyncio.Task | None = None
+        self._cycle_count = 0
+        self._last_summary_date: str = ""
+        self.history: list[TriageCycleResult] = []
+
+    @property
+    def is_running(self) -> bool:
+        return self._running
+
+    @property
+    def cycle_count(self) -> int:
+        return self._cycle_count
+
+    async def run_once(self) -> TriageCycleResult:
+        """Execute one full triage cycle.
+
+        1. Fetch all open Gitea issues
+        2. Score and prioritize
+        3. Decide on each unassigned ready issue
+        4. Execute decisions
+        5. Optionally post daily summary
+        """
+        import time
+
+        self._cycle_count += 1
+        start = time.monotonic()
+        ts = datetime.now(UTC).isoformat()
+        result = TriageCycleResult(timestamp=ts, total_open=0, scored=0, ready=0)
+
+        if not settings.gitea_enabled or not settings.gitea_token:
+            logger.warning("Backlog triage: Gitea not configured — skipping cycle")
+            return result
+
+        async with httpx.AsyncClient(timeout=30) as client:
+            # 1. Fetch
+            raw_issues = await fetch_open_issues(client)
+            result.total_open = len(raw_issues)
+            logger.info("Triage cycle #%d: fetched %d open issues", self._cycle_count, len(raw_issues))
+
+            # 2. Score
+            scored = [score_issue(i) for i in raw_issues]
+            result.scored = len(scored)
+            result.ready = sum(1 for s in scored if s.ready)
+
+            # 3 & 4. Decide and execute for each issue
+            for issue in scored:
+                decision = decide(issue)
+                if decision.action == "skip":
+                    result.decisions.append(decision)
+                    continue
+                decision = await execute_decision(client, decision, dry_run=self._dry_run)
+                result.decisions.append(decision)
+
+                # Rate-limit: short pause between API writes to avoid hammering Gitea
+                if not self._dry_run:
+                    await asyncio.sleep(0.5)
+
+            # 5. Daily summary (once per UTC day)
+            today = datetime.now(UTC).strftime("%Y-%m-%d")
+            if self._daily_summary and today != self._last_summary_date:
+                await post_daily_summary(client, result, scored, dry_run=self._dry_run)
+                self._last_summary_date = today
+
+        result.duration_ms = int((time.monotonic() - start) * 1000)
+        self.history.append(result)
+
+        assigned_count = sum(1 for d in result.decisions if d.executed and d.action != "skip")
+        logger.info(
+            "Triage cycle #%d complete (%d ms): %d open, %d ready, %d assigned",
+            self._cycle_count,
+            result.duration_ms,
+            result.total_open,
+            result.ready,
+            assigned_count,
+        )
+        return result
+
+    async def start(self) -> None:
+        """Start the triage loop as a background task."""
+        if self._running:
+            logger.warning("BacklogTriageLoop already running")
+            return
+        self._running = True
+        await self._loop()
+
+    async def _loop(self) -> None:
+        logger.info(
+            "BacklogTriageLoop started (interval=%.0fs, dry_run=%s)",
+            self._interval,
+            self._dry_run,
+        )
+        while self._running:
+            try:
+                await self.run_once()
+            except Exception:
+                logger.exception("Backlog triage cycle failed")
+            await asyncio.sleep(self._interval)
+
+    def stop(self) -> None:
+        """Signal the loop to stop after the current cycle."""
+        self._running = False
+        logger.info("BacklogTriageLoop stop requested")
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_backlog_triage.py b/tests/unit/test_backlog_triage.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e5d758e2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/unit/test_backlog_triage.py
@@ -0,0 +1,621 @@
+"""Unit tests for timmy.backlog_triage — autonomous backlog triage loop."""
+
+from datetime import UTC, datetime
+from unittest.mock import AsyncMock, MagicMock, patch
+
+import pytest
+
+from timmy.backlog_triage import (
+    AGENT_CLAUDE,
+    AGENT_KIMI,
+    KIMI_READY_LABEL,
+    OWNER_LOGIN,
+    READY_THRESHOLD,
+    BacklogTriageLoop,
+    ScoredIssue,
+    TriageCycleResult,
+    TriageDecision,
+    _build_audit_comment,
+    _build_daily_summary,
+    _extract_tags,
+    _score_acceptance,
+    _score_alignment,
+    _score_scope,
+    decide,
+    score_issue,
+)
+
+
+# ── Fixtures ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+def _make_raw_issue(
+    number: int = 1,
+    title: str = "Fix the login bug",
+    body: str = "## Problem\nLogin fails on empty password.\n\n## Steps\nassert response == 200",
+    labels: list | None = None,
+    assignees: list | None = None,
+    created_at: str = "2026-03-20T10:00:00Z",
+) -> dict:
+    return {
+        "number": number,
+        "title": title,
+        "body": body,
+        "labels": [{"name": lbl} for lbl in (labels or [])],
+        "assignees": [{"login": a} for a in (assignees or [])],
+        "created_at": created_at,
+    }
+
+
+def _make_scored_issue(
+    number: int = 1,
+    title: str = "Fix login bug",
+    issue_type: str = "bug",
+    score: int = 7,
+    ready: bool = True,
+    is_p0: bool = True,
+    is_blocked: bool = False,
+    assignees: list | None = None,
+    tags: set | None = None,
+    labels: list | None = None,
+    age_days: int = 3,
+) -> ScoredIssue:
+    return ScoredIssue(
+        number=number,
+        title=title,
+        body="",
+        labels=labels or [],
+        tags=tags or {"bug"},
+        assignees=assignees or [],
+        created_at=datetime.now(UTC),
+        issue_type=issue_type,
+        score=score,
+        scope=2,
+        acceptance=2,
+        alignment=3,
+        ready=ready,
+        age_days=age_days,
+        is_p0=is_p0,
+        is_blocked=is_blocked,
+    )
+
+
+# ── _extract_tags ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestExtractTags:
+    def test_bracket_tags_in_title(self):
+        tags = _extract_tags("[Bug] Login fails", [])
+        assert "bug" in tags
+
+    def test_multiple_brackets(self):
+        tags = _extract_tags("[Bug][P0] Crash on startup", [])
+        assert "bug" in tags
+        assert "p0" in tags
+
+    def test_label_names(self):
+        tags = _extract_tags("Fix thing", ["security", "hotfix"])
+        assert "security" in tags
+        assert "hotfix" in tags
+
+    def test_labels_lowercased(self):
+        tags = _extract_tags("Title", ["Bug", "FEATURE"])
+        assert "bug" in tags
+        assert "feature" in tags
+
+    def test_empty_inputs(self):
+        tags = _extract_tags("", [])
+        assert tags == set()
+
+
+# ── Scoring functions ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestScoreScope:
+    def test_file_reference_adds_point(self):
+        score = _score_scope("Fix auth", "Edit src/timmy/auth.py", set())
+        assert score >= 1
+
+    def test_function_reference_adds_point(self):
+        score = _score_scope("Fix auth", "def validate_token()", set())
+        assert score >= 1
+
+    def test_short_title_adds_point(self):
+        score = _score_scope("Short title", "", set())
+        assert score >= 1
+
+    def test_meta_tag_penalizes(self):
+        score = _score_scope("Discussion about philosophy", "long body " * 5, {"philosophy"})
+        assert score <= 1
+
+    def test_max_score_3(self):
+        score = _score_scope("Fix auth", "src/auth.py\ndef login()", set())
+        assert score <= 3
+
+
+class TestScoreAcceptance:
+    def test_acceptance_keywords(self):
+        body = "should return 200\nmust pass tests\nexpect response"
+        score = _score_acceptance("Title", body, set())
+        assert score >= 2
+
+    def test_test_reference_adds_point(self):
+        score = _score_acceptance("Title", "Run tox -e unit", set())
+        assert score >= 1
+
+    def test_structured_sections(self):
+        body = "## Problem\nX\n## Solution\nY"
+        score = _score_acceptance("Title", body, set())
+        assert score >= 1
+
+    def test_meta_tag_penalizes(self):
+        score = _score_acceptance("Title", "should do something", {"philosophy"})
+        # still counts but penalized
+        assert score <= 2
+
+    def test_empty_body(self):
+        score = _score_acceptance("Title", "", set())
+        assert score == 0
+
+
+class TestScoreAlignment:
+    def test_bug_tags_score_max(self):
+        assert _score_alignment("", "", {"bug"}) == 3
+
+    def test_hotfix_tag_max(self):
+        assert _score_alignment("", "", {"hotfix"}) == 3
+
+    def test_refactor_tag(self):
+        score = _score_alignment("", "", {"refactor"})
+        assert score >= 2
+
+    def test_feature_tag(self):
+        score = _score_alignment("", "", {"feature"})
+        assert score >= 2
+
+    def test_meta_tags_zero(self):
+        assert _score_alignment("", "", {"philosophy"}) == 0
+
+    def test_loop_generated_bonus(self):
+        score = _score_alignment("", "", {"loop-generated"})
+        assert score >= 1
+
+
+# ── score_issue ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestScoreIssue:
+    def test_bug_issue_classified_correctly(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["bug"], title="[Bug] Crash on startup")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.issue_type == "bug"
+        assert scored.is_p0 is True
+
+    def test_feature_issue_classified(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["feature"], title="Add voice support")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.issue_type == "feature"
+
+    def test_philosophy_issue_classified(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["philosophy"], title="[Philosophy] Should Timmy sleep?")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.issue_type == "philosophy"
+
+    def test_research_issue_classified(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["research"], title="Investigate model options")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.issue_type == "research"
+
+    def test_ready_flag_set_when_score_high(self):
+        body = (
+            "## Problem\nX breaks.\n## Solution\nFix src/timmy/agent.py def run()\n"
+            "should return True\nmust pass tox -e unit"
+        )
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["bug"], body=body)
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.score >= READY_THRESHOLD
+        assert scored.ready is True
+
+    def test_is_blocked_detected_in_body(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(body="This is blocked by issue #50")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.is_blocked is True
+
+    def test_is_blocked_detected_in_title(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(title="[blocking] Cannot proceed")
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        # "blocking" in brackets becomes a tag
+        assert scored.is_blocked is True
+
+    def test_unassigned_when_no_assignees(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(assignees=[])
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.is_unassigned is True
+
+    def test_assigned_when_has_assignee(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(assignees=["claude"])
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.is_unassigned is False
+
+    def test_age_days_computed(self):
+        old_ts = "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(created_at=old_ts)
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.age_days > 0
+
+    def test_needs_kimi_for_research_label(self):
+        raw = _make_raw_issue(labels=["kimi-ready"])
+        scored = score_issue(raw)
+        assert scored.needs_kimi is True
+
+
+# ── decide ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestDecide:
+    def test_philosophy_skipped(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(issue_type="philosophy", tags={"philosophy"})
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "skip"
+        assert "philosophy" in d.reason.lower()
+
+    def test_assigned_issue_skipped(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(assignees=["perplexity"])
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "skip"
+        assert "assigned" in d.reason.lower()
+
+    def test_low_score_skipped(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(score=2, ready=False)
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "skip"
+        assert "threshold" in d.reason.lower()
+
+    def test_blocked_issue_flagged_for_alex(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(is_blocked=True)
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "flag_alex"
+        assert d.agent == OWNER_LOGIN
+
+    def test_research_issue_assigned_kimi(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(
+            issue_type="research",
+            tags={"research"},
+            is_p0=False,
+            is_blocked=False,
+        )
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "assign_kimi"
+        assert d.agent == AGENT_KIMI
+
+    def test_kimi_ready_label_assigns_kimi(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(
+            issue_type="unknown",
+            tags={"kimi-ready"},
+            labels=["kimi-ready"],
+            is_p0=False,
+            is_blocked=False,
+        )
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "assign_kimi"
+
+    def test_p0_bug_assigns_claude(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(issue_type="bug", is_p0=True, is_blocked=False)
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "assign_claude"
+        assert d.agent == AGENT_CLAUDE
+
+    def test_ready_feature_assigns_claude(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(
+            issue_type="feature",
+            is_p0=False,
+            is_blocked=False,
+            tags={"feature"},
+        )
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert d.action == "assign_claude"
+        assert d.agent == AGENT_CLAUDE
+
+    def test_decision_has_reason(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue()
+        d = decide(issue)
+        assert len(d.reason) > 10
+
+
+# ── _build_audit_comment ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestBuildAuditComment:
+    def test_contains_timmy_triage_header(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "assign_claude", "High priority bug", agent=AGENT_CLAUDE)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert "Timmy Triage" in comment
+
+    def test_contains_issue_reason(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "assign_claude", "Urgent P0 bug", agent=AGENT_CLAUDE)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert "Urgent P0 bug" in comment
+
+    def test_assign_claude_mentions_agent(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "assign_claude", "reason", agent=AGENT_CLAUDE)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert AGENT_CLAUDE in comment
+
+    def test_assign_kimi_mentions_label(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "assign_kimi", "reason", agent=AGENT_KIMI)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert KIMI_READY_LABEL in comment
+
+    def test_flag_alex_mentions_owner(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "flag_alex", "blocked", agent=OWNER_LOGIN)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert OWNER_LOGIN in comment
+
+    def test_contains_override_note(self):
+        d = TriageDecision(42, "assign_claude", "reason", agent=AGENT_CLAUDE)
+        comment = _build_audit_comment(d)
+        assert "override" in comment.lower()
+
+
+# ── _build_daily_summary ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestBuildDailySummary:
+    def _make_result(self, decisions=None) -> TriageCycleResult:
+        return TriageCycleResult(
+            timestamp=datetime.now(UTC).isoformat(),
+            total_open=10,
+            scored=8,
+            ready=5,
+            decisions=decisions or [],
+        )
+
+    def test_contains_open_count(self):
+        result = self._make_result()
+        scored = [_make_scored_issue(number=i, ready=True, score=6) for i in range(1, 4)]
+        summary = _build_daily_summary(result, scored)
+        assert "10" in summary  # total_open
+
+    def test_contains_ready_count(self):
+        result = self._make_result()
+        summary = _build_daily_summary(result, [])
+        assert "5" in summary
+
+    def test_actions_taken_section(self):
+        decisions = [
+            TriageDecision(1, "assign_claude", "P0 bug", agent="claude", executed=True),
+        ]
+        result = self._make_result(decisions=decisions)
+        summary = _build_daily_summary(result, [])
+        assert "Actions Taken" in summary
+        assert "#1" in summary
+
+    def test_top_issues_listed(self):
+        scored = [_make_scored_issue(number=99, ready=True, score=8)]
+        result = self._make_result()
+        summary = _build_daily_summary(result, scored)
+        assert "#99" in summary
+
+    def test_footer_present(self):
+        summary = _build_daily_summary(self._make_result(), [])
+        assert "Auto-generated" in summary
+
+
+# ── BacklogTriageLoop ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestBacklogTriageLoop:
+    def test_default_interval_from_settings(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+        from config import settings
+
+        assert loop._interval == float(settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds)
+
+    def test_custom_interval(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop(interval=300)
+        assert loop._interval == 300.0
+
+    def test_dry_run_default(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop(dry_run=True)
+        assert loop._dry_run is True
+
+    def test_not_running_initially(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+        assert loop.is_running is False
+
+    def test_stop_sets_running_false(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+        loop._running = True
+        loop.stop()
+        assert loop._running is False
+
+    def test_cycle_count_starts_zero(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+        assert loop.cycle_count == 0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_run_once_skips_when_no_gitea_token(self):
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop()
+        mock_settings = MagicMock()
+        mock_settings.gitea_enabled = True
+        mock_settings.gitea_token = ""
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds = 900
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_dry_run = False
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_daily_summary = False
+
+        with patch("timmy.backlog_triage.settings", mock_settings):
+            result = await loop.run_once()
+
+        assert result.total_open == 0
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_run_once_dry_run_no_api_writes(self):
+        """In dry_run mode, decisions are made but no Gitea API writes happen."""
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop(dry_run=True, daily_summary=False)
+
+        raw_issues = [
+            _make_raw_issue(
+                number=10,
+                title="Fix crash",
+                labels=["bug"],
+                body=(
+                    "## Problem\nCrash on login.\n## Solution\nFix src/auth.py "
+                    "def login()\nshould return 200\nmust pass tox tests"
+                ),
+            )
+        ]
+
+        mock_settings = MagicMock()
+        mock_settings.gitea_enabled = True
+        mock_settings.gitea_token = "fake-token"
+        mock_settings.gitea_repo = "owner/repo"
+        mock_settings.gitea_url = "http://gitea.local"
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds = 900
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_dry_run = True
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_daily_summary = False
+
+        mock_client = AsyncMock()
+        mock_client.get.return_value = MagicMock(
+            status_code=200, json=MagicMock(return_value=raw_issues)
+        )
+
+        mock_ctx = AsyncMock()
+        mock_ctx.__aenter__.return_value = mock_client
+        mock_ctx.__aexit__.return_value = False
+
+        with (
+            patch("timmy.backlog_triage.settings", mock_settings),
+            patch("httpx.AsyncClient", return_value=mock_ctx),
+        ):
+            result = await loop.run_once()
+
+        # No POST/PATCH calls in dry run
+        mock_client.post.assert_not_called()
+        mock_client.patch.assert_not_called()
+
+        assert result.total_open == 1
+        assert loop.cycle_count == 1
+        assert len(loop.history) == 1
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_run_once_assigns_unassigned_bug(self):
+        """Unassigned ready bug should be assigned to Claude with audit comment."""
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop(dry_run=False, daily_summary=False)
+
+        body = (
+            "## Problem\nCrash on login.\n## Solution\nFix src/auth.py "
+            "def login()\nshould return 200\nmust pass tox tests"
+        )
+        raw_issues = [_make_raw_issue(number=5, title="Fix crash", labels=["bug"], body=body)]
+
+        mock_settings = MagicMock()
+        mock_settings.gitea_enabled = True
+        mock_settings.gitea_token = "fake-token"
+        mock_settings.gitea_repo = "owner/repo"
+        mock_settings.gitea_url = "http://gitea.local"
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds = 900
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_dry_run = False
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_daily_summary = False
+
+        # GET /issues returns our issue
+        get_issues_resp = MagicMock(status_code=200)
+        get_issues_resp.json.return_value = raw_issues
+
+        # POST /comments returns success
+        comment_resp = MagicMock(status_code=201)
+        comment_resp.json.return_value = {"id": 1}
+
+        # PATCH /issues/{n} (assign) returns success
+        assign_resp = MagicMock(status_code=200)
+        assign_resp.json.return_value = {"number": 5}
+
+        mock_client = AsyncMock()
+        mock_client.get.return_value = get_issues_resp
+        mock_client.post.return_value = comment_resp
+        mock_client.patch.return_value = assign_resp
+
+        mock_ctx = AsyncMock()
+        mock_ctx.__aenter__.return_value = mock_client
+        mock_ctx.__aexit__.return_value = False
+
+        with (
+            patch("timmy.backlog_triage.settings", mock_settings),
+            patch("httpx.AsyncClient", return_value=mock_ctx),
+            patch("asyncio.sleep", new_callable=AsyncMock),
+        ):
+            result = await loop.run_once()
+
+        assert result.total_open == 1
+        # Comment should have been posted
+        mock_client.post.assert_called()
+        # Assign should have been called (PATCH)
+        mock_client.patch.assert_called()
+
+    @pytest.mark.asyncio
+    async def test_run_once_skips_already_assigned(self):
+        """Issues already assigned should not be acted upon."""
+        loop = BacklogTriageLoop(dry_run=False, daily_summary=False)
+
+        raw_issues = [
+            _make_raw_issue(
+                number=3,
+                labels=["bug"],
+                assignees=["perplexity"],
+                body="## Problem\nX\nmust pass tox\nshould return 200 at least 3 times",
+            )
+        ]
+
+        mock_settings = MagicMock()
+        mock_settings.gitea_enabled = True
+        mock_settings.gitea_token = "tok"
+        mock_settings.gitea_repo = "owner/repo"
+        mock_settings.gitea_url = "http://gitea.local"
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_interval_seconds = 900
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_dry_run = False
+        mock_settings.backlog_triage_daily_summary = False
+
+        get_resp = MagicMock(status_code=200)
+        get_resp.json.return_value = raw_issues
+
+        mock_client = AsyncMock()
+        mock_client.get.return_value = get_resp
+
+        mock_ctx = AsyncMock()
+        mock_ctx.__aenter__.return_value = mock_client
+        mock_ctx.__aexit__.return_value = False
+
+        with (
+            patch("timmy.backlog_triage.settings", mock_settings),
+            patch("httpx.AsyncClient", return_value=mock_ctx),
+        ):
+            result = await loop.run_once()
+
+        # No writes for already-assigned issue
+        mock_client.post.assert_not_called()
+        mock_client.patch.assert_not_called()
+        assert result.decisions[0].action == "skip"
+
+
+# ── ScoredIssue properties ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+
+class TestScoredIssueProperties:
+    def test_is_unassigned_true_when_no_assignees(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(assignees=[])
+        assert issue.is_unassigned is True
+
+    def test_is_unassigned_false_when_assigned(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(assignees=["claude"])
+        assert issue.is_unassigned is False
+
+    def test_needs_kimi_for_research_tag(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(tags={"research"})
+        assert issue.needs_kimi is True
+
+    def test_needs_kimi_for_kimi_ready_label(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(labels=["kimi-ready"], tags=set())
+        assert issue.needs_kimi is True
+
+    def test_needs_kimi_false_for_bug(self):
+        issue = _make_scored_issue(tags={"bug"}, labels=[])
+        assert issue.needs_kimi is False