diff --git a/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
similarity index 100%
rename from CODEOWNERS
rename to .github/CODEOWNERS
diff --git a/.mlc_config.json b/.mlc_config.json
index 6bb1869..310ffcb 100644
--- a/.mlc_config.json
+++ b/.mlc_config.json
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   "replacementPatterns": [
     {
       "pattern": "^CODEOWNERS",
-      "replacement": "{{BASEURL}}/CODEOWNERS"
+      "replacement": "{{BASEURL}}/.github/CODEOWNERS"
     },
     {
       "pattern": "^TRADEMARKS",
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index a49b074..d0156cb 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ Ensure the PR description is clear about the changes you've made.
 
 ### 2. Await Review
 
-One of the `CODEOWNERS` will review your PR.
+One of the code owners (`.github/CODEOWNERS`) will review your PR.
 We might request further clarifications, changes, or provide feedback.
 
 ### 3. Address Feedback
diff --git a/policies/succession-plan.md b/policies/succession-plan.md
index 2dc4327..566daf6 100644
--- a/policies/succession-plan.md
+++ b/policies/succession-plan.md
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ For libraries under heavy use, we will encourage a "path of least disturbance" a
 
 The CF respects each project's chosen governance model. This policy complements, and does not supersede, those models. We recommend projects define:
 
-- **Code Ownership:** Maintain a list of individuals or groups with the authority to review and merge contributions `CODEOWNERS`.
+- **Code Ownership:** Maintain a list of individuals or groups with the authority to review and merge contributions (`CODEOWNERS`).
 
 - **Project governance:** Describe project decision-making processes and contact information in `GOVERNANCE.md`. The CF must have direct contact details (kept confidential) for emergencies or coordination in the case of an extended absence.
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ The CF respects each project's chosen governance model. This policy complements,
 
 Further Reading:
 
-- `CODEOWNERS`: [About code owners][owners]
+- `CODEOWNERS`: [About code owners][owners], maintained in `CODEOWNERS` or `.github/CODEOWNERS`
 - `CONTRIBUTING.md`: [Wrangling Web Contributions: How to Build a CONTRIBUTING.md][contrib]. See [CONTRIBUTING.md][] and the [Project CONTRIBUTING.md template][CONTRIB-TPL] for examples.
 - `GOVERNANCE.md`: See [GOVERNANCE.md][] and the [Project GOVERNANCE.md template][GOV-TPL] for examples.
 
diff --git a/templates/GOVERNANCE.md b/templates/GOVERNANCE.md
index 822e16c..b1452f2 100644
--- a/templates/GOVERNANCE.md
+++ b/templates/GOVERNANCE.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ This governance model is designed to uphold the principles of transparency, open
 
 ## Roles and Responsibilities
 
-- **Code owners:** Individuals with write access to the repository, responsible for reviewing and merging contributions, and steering project direction. These individuals (or groups) will be maintained in the repository [CODEOWNERS](CODEOWNERS) file.
+- **Code owners:** Individuals with write access to the repository, responsible for reviewing and merging contributions, and steering project direction. These individuals (or groups) will be maintained in the repository (`CODEOWNERS` or `.github/CODEOWNERS`).
 - **Contributors:** Anyone who contributes to the project in any form.
 
 Reference: [About code owners](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners)