diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a7a01189..a0e40a5b 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -235,6 +235,22 @@ gt <role> attach                  # Jump into any agent session
                                   # e.g., gt mayor attach, gt witness attach
 ```
 
+### Configuration
+
+```bash
+gt config agent list [--json]     # List all agents (built-in + custom)
+gt config agent get <name>        # Show agent configuration
+gt config agent set <name> <cmd>  # Create or update custom agent
+gt config agent remove <name>     # Remove custom agent (built-ins protected)
+gt config default-agent [name]    # Get or set town default agent
+```
+
+**Example**: Use a cheaper model for most work:
+```bash
+gt config agent set claude-glm "claude-glm --model glm-4"
+gt config default-agent claude-glm
+```
+
 Most other work happens through agents - just ask them.
 
 ### For Agents
diff --git a/docs/reference.md b/docs/reference.md
index 1dede5d5..90cfa621 100644
--- a/docs/reference.md
+++ b/docs/reference.md
@@ -215,6 +215,28 @@ gt doctor                    # Health check
 gt doctor --fix              # Auto-repair
 ```
 
+### Configuration
+
+```bash
+# Agent management
+gt config agent list [--json]     # List all agents (built-in + custom)
+gt config agent get <name>        # Show agent configuration
+gt config agent set <name> <cmd>  # Create or update custom agent
+gt config agent remove <name>     # Remove custom agent (built-ins protected)
+
+# Default agent
+gt config default-agent [name]    # Get or set town default agent
+```
+
+**Built-in agents**: `claude`, `gemini`, `codex`
+
+**Custom agents**: Define per-town in `mayor/town.json`:
+```bash
+gt config agent set claude-glm "claude-glm --model glm-4"
+gt config agent set claude "claude-opus"  # Override built-in
+gt config default-agent claude-glm       # Set default
+```
+
 ### Rig Management
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/internal/cmd/config.go b/internal/cmd/config.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6a76df6d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/cmd/config.go
@@ -0,0 +1,468 @@
+// Package cmd provides CLI commands for the gt tool.
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"encoding/json"
+	"fmt"
+	"os"
+	"sort"
+	"strings"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/config"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/style"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/workspace"
+)
+
+var configCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:     "config",
+	GroupID: GroupConfig,
+	Short:   "Manage Gas Town configuration",
+	RunE:    requireSubcommand,
+	Long: `Manage Gas Town configuration settings.
+
+This command allows you to view and modify configuration settings
+for your Gas Town workspace, including agent aliases and defaults.
+
+Commands:
+  gt config agent list              List all agents (built-in and custom)
+  gt config agent get <name>         Show agent configuration
+  gt config agent set <name> <cmd>   Set custom agent command
+  gt config agent remove <name>      Remove custom agent
+  gt config default-agent [name]     Get or set default agent`,
+}
+
+// Agent subcommands
+
+var configAgentListCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "list",
+	Short: "List all agents",
+	Long: `List all available agents (built-in and custom).
+
+Shows all built-in agent presets (claude, gemini, codex) and any
+custom agents defined in your town settings.
+
+Examples:
+  gt config agent list           # Text output
+  gt config agent list --json    # JSON output`,
+	RunE: runConfigAgentList,
+}
+
+var configAgentGetCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "get <name>",
+	Short: "Show agent configuration",
+	Long: `Show the configuration for a specific agent.
+
+Displays the full configuration for an agent, including command,
+arguments, and other settings. Works for both built-in and custom agents.
+
+Examples:
+  gt config agent get claude
+  gt config agent get my-custom-agent`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	RunE: runConfigAgentGet,
+}
+
+var configAgentSetCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "set <name> <command>",
+	Short: "Set custom agent command",
+	Long: `Set a custom agent command in town settings.
+
+This creates or updates a custom agent definition that overrides
+or extends the built-in presets. The custom agent will be available
+to all rigs in the town.
+
+The command can include arguments. Use quotes if the command or
+arguments contain spaces.
+
+Examples:
+  gt config agent set claude-glm \"claude-glm --model glm-4\"
+  gt config agent set gemini-custom gemini --approval-mode yolo
+  gt config agent set claude \"claude-glm\"  # Override built-in claude`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(2),
+	RunE: runConfigAgentSet,
+}
+
+var configAgentRemoveCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "remove <name>",
+	Short: "Remove custom agent",
+	Long: `Remove a custom agent definition from town settings.
+
+This removes a custom agent from your town settings. Built-in agents
+(claude, gemini, codex) cannot be removed.
+
+Examples:
+  gt config agent remove claude-glm`,
+	Args: cobra.ExactArgs(1),
+	RunE: runConfigAgentRemove,
+}
+
+// Default-agent subcommand
+
+var configDefaultAgentCmd = &cobra.Command{
+	Use:   "default-agent [name]",
+	Short: "Get or set default agent",
+	Long: `Get or set the default agent for the town.
+
+With no arguments, shows the current default agent.
+With an argument, sets the default agent to the specified name.
+
+The default agent is used when a rig doesn't specify its own agent
+setting. Can be a built-in preset (claude, gemini, codex) or a
+custom agent name.
+
+Examples:
+  gt config default-agent           # Show current default
+  gt config default-agent claude    # Set to claude
+  gt config default-agent gemini    # Set to gemini
+  gt config default-agent my-custom # Set to custom agent`,
+	RunE: runConfigDefaultAgent,
+}
+
+// Flags
+var (
+	configAgentListJSON bool
+)
+
+// AgentListItem represents an agent in list output.
+type AgentListItem struct {
+	Name     string `json:"name"`
+	Command  string `json:"command"`
+	Args     string `json:"args,omitempty"`
+	Type     string `json:"type"` // "built-in" or "custom"
+	IsCustom bool   `json:"is_custom"`
+}
+
+func runConfigAgentList(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	townRoot, err := workspace.FindFromCwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("finding town root: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load town settings
+	settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+	townSettings, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load agent registry
+	registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+	if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading agent registry: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Collect all agents
+	builtInAgents := []string{"claude", "gemini", "codex"}
+	customAgents := make(map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig)
+	if townSettings.Agents != nil {
+		for name, runtime := range townSettings.Agents {
+			customAgents[name] = runtime
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Build list items
+	var items []AgentListItem
+	for _, name := range builtInAgents {
+		preset := config.GetAgentPresetByName(name)
+		if preset != nil {
+			items = append(items, AgentListItem{
+				Name:     name,
+				Command:  preset.Command,
+				Args:     strings.Join(preset.Args, " "),
+				Type:     "built-in",
+				IsCustom: false,
+			})
+		}
+	}
+	for name, runtime := range customAgents {
+		argsStr := ""
+		if runtime.Args != nil {
+			argsStr = strings.Join(runtime.Args, " ")
+		}
+		items = append(items, AgentListItem{
+			Name:     name,
+			Command:  runtime.Command,
+			Args:     argsStr,
+			Type:     "custom",
+			IsCustom: true,
+		})
+	}
+
+	// Sort by name
+	sort.Slice(items, func(i, j int) bool {
+		return items[i].Name < items[j].Name
+	})
+
+	if configAgentListJSON {
+		enc := json.NewEncoder(os.Stdout)
+		enc.SetIndent("", "  ")
+		return enc.Encode(items)
+	}
+
+	// Text output
+	fmt.Printf("%s\n\n", style.Bold.Render("Available Agents"))
+	for _, item := range items {
+		typeLabel := style.Dim.Render("[" + item.Type + "]")
+		fmt.Printf("  %s %s %s", style.Bold.Render(item.Name), typeLabel, item.Command)
+		if item.Args != "" {
+			fmt.Printf(" %s", item.Args)
+		}
+		fmt.Println()
+	}
+
+	// Show default
+	defaultAgent := townSettings.DefaultAgent
+	if defaultAgent == "" {
+		defaultAgent = "claude"
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("\nDefault: %s\n", style.Bold.Render(defaultAgent))
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runConfigAgentGet(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	name := args[0]
+
+	townRoot, err := workspace.FindFromCwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("finding town root: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load town settings for custom agents
+	settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+	townSettings, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load agent registry
+	registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+	if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading agent registry: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check custom agents first
+	if townSettings.Agents != nil {
+		if runtime, ok := townSettings.Agents[name]; ok {
+			displayAgentConfig(name, runtime, nil, true)
+			return nil
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Check built-in agents
+	preset := config.GetAgentPresetByName(name)
+	if preset != nil {
+		runtime := &config.RuntimeConfig{
+			Command: preset.Command,
+			Args:    preset.Args,
+		}
+		displayAgentConfig(name, runtime, preset, false)
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	return fmt.Errorf("agent '%s' not found", name)
+}
+
+func displayAgentConfig(name string, runtime *config.RuntimeConfig, preset *config.AgentPresetInfo, isCustom bool) {
+	fmt.Printf("%s\n\n", style.Bold.Render("Agent: "+name))
+
+	typeLabel := "custom"
+	if !isCustom {
+		typeLabel = "built-in"
+	}
+	fmt.Printf("Type:   %s\n", typeLabel)
+	fmt.Printf("Command: %s\n", runtime.Command)
+
+	if runtime.Args != nil && len(runtime.Args) > 0 {
+		fmt.Printf("Args:    %s\n", strings.Join(runtime.Args, " "))
+	}
+
+	if preset != nil {
+		if preset.SessionIDEnv != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("Session ID Env: %s\n", preset.SessionIDEnv)
+		}
+		if preset.ResumeFlag != "" {
+			fmt.Printf("Resume Style:  %s (%s)\n", preset.ResumeStyle, preset.ResumeFlag)
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("Supports Hooks: %v\n", preset.SupportsHooks)
+	}
+}
+
+func runConfigAgentSet(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	name := args[0]
+	commandLine := args[1]
+
+	townRoot, err := workspace.FindFromCwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("finding town root: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load town settings
+	settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+	townSettings, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Parse command line into command and args
+	parts := strings.Fields(commandLine)
+	if len(parts) == 0 {
+		return fmt.Errorf("command cannot be empty")
+	}
+
+	// Initialize agents map if needed
+	if townSettings.Agents == nil {
+		townSettings.Agents = make(map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig)
+	}
+
+	// Create or update the agent
+	townSettings.Agents[name] = &config.RuntimeConfig{
+		Command: parts[0],
+		Args:    parts[1:],
+	}
+
+	// Save settings
+	if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, townSettings); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("saving town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Agent '%s' set to: %s\n", style.Bold.Render(name), commandLine)
+
+	// Check if this overrides a built-in
+	builtInAgents := []string{"claude", "gemini", "codex"}
+	for _, builtin := range builtInAgents {
+		if name == builtin {
+			fmt.Printf("\n%s\n", style.Dim.Render("(overriding built-in '"+builtin+"' preset)"))
+			break
+		}
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runConfigAgentRemove(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	name := args[0]
+
+	townRoot, err := workspace.FindFromCwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("finding town root: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check if trying to remove built-in
+	builtInAgents := []string{"claude", "gemini", "codex"}
+	for _, builtin := range builtInAgents {
+		if name == builtin {
+			return fmt.Errorf("cannot remove built-in agent '%s' (use 'gt config agent set' to override it)", name)
+		}
+	}
+
+	// Load town settings
+	settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+	townSettings, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Check if agent exists
+	if townSettings.Agents == nil || townSettings.Agents[name] == nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("custom agent '%s' not found", name)
+	}
+
+	// Remove the agent
+	delete(townSettings.Agents, name)
+
+	// Save settings
+	if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, townSettings); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("saving town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Removed custom agent '%s'\n", style.Bold.Render(name))
+	return nil
+}
+
+func runConfigDefaultAgent(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) error {
+	townRoot, err := workspace.FindFromCwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("finding town root: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load town settings
+	settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+	townSettings, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	// Load agent registry
+	registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+	if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("loading agent registry: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if len(args) == 0 {
+		// Show current default
+		defaultAgent := townSettings.DefaultAgent
+		if defaultAgent == "" {
+			defaultAgent = "claude"
+		}
+		fmt.Printf("Default agent: %s\n", style.Bold.Render(defaultAgent))
+		return nil
+	}
+
+	// Set new default
+	name := args[0]
+
+	// Verify agent exists
+	isValid := false
+	builtInAgents := []string{"claude", "gemini", "codex"}
+	for _, builtin := range builtInAgents {
+		if name == builtin {
+			isValid = true
+			break
+		}
+	}
+	if !isValid && townSettings.Agents != nil {
+		if _, ok := townSettings.Agents[name]; ok {
+			isValid = true
+		}
+	}
+
+	if !isValid {
+		return fmt.Errorf("agent '%s' not found (use 'gt config agent list' to see available agents)", name)
+	}
+
+	// Set default
+	townSettings.DefaultAgent = name
+
+	// Save settings
+	if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, townSettings); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("saving town settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	fmt.Printf("Default agent set to '%s'\n", style.Bold.Render(name))
+	return nil
+}
+
+func init() {
+	// Add flags
+	configAgentListCmd.Flags().BoolVar(&configAgentListJSON, "json", false, "Output as JSON")
+
+	// Add agent subcommands
+	configAgentCmd := &cobra.Command{
+		Use:   "agent",
+		Short: "Manage agent configuration",
+		RunE:  requireSubcommand,
+	}
+	configAgentCmd.AddCommand(configAgentListCmd)
+	configAgentCmd.AddCommand(configAgentGetCmd)
+	configAgentCmd.AddCommand(configAgentSetCmd)
+	configAgentCmd.AddCommand(configAgentRemoveCmd)
+
+	// Add subcommands to config
+	configCmd.AddCommand(configAgentCmd)
+	configCmd.AddCommand(configDefaultAgentCmd)
+
+	// Register with root
+	rootCmd.AddCommand(configCmd)
+}
diff --git a/internal/cmd/config_test.go b/internal/cmd/config_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a6dca7e0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/internal/cmd/config_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,583 @@
+package cmd
+
+import (
+	"os"
+	"path/filepath"
+	"strings"
+	"testing"
+	"time"
+
+	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
+	"github.com/steveyegge/gastown/internal/config"
+)
+
+// setupTestTown creates a minimal Gas Town workspace for testing.
+func setupTestTownForConfig(t *testing.T) string {
+	t.Helper()
+
+	townRoot := t.TempDir()
+
+	// Create mayor directory with required files
+	mayorDir := filepath.Join(townRoot, "mayor")
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(mayorDir, 0755); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("mkdir mayor: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create town.json
+	townConfig := &config.TownConfig{
+		Type:       "town",
+		Version:    config.CurrentTownVersion,
+		Name:       "test-town",
+		PublicName: "Test Town",
+		CreatedAt:  time.Date(2024, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC),
+	}
+	townConfigPath := filepath.Join(mayorDir, "town.json")
+	if err := config.SaveTownConfig(townConfigPath, townConfig); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("save town.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	// Create empty rigs.json
+	rigsConfig := &config.RigsConfig{
+		Version: 1,
+		Rigs:    make(map[string]config.RigEntry),
+	}
+	rigsPath := filepath.Join(mayorDir, "rigs.json")
+	if err := config.SaveRigsConfig(rigsPath, rigsConfig); err != nil {
+		t.Fatalf("save rigs.json: %v", err)
+	}
+
+	return townRoot
+}
+
+func TestConfigAgentList(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("lists built-in agents", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Change to town root so workspace.FindFromCwd works
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{}
+		err := runConfigAgentList(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentList failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings file was created (LoadOrCreate creates it)
+		if _, err := os.Stat(settingsPath); err != nil {
+			// This is OK - list command works without settings file
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("lists built-in and custom agents", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Create settings with custom agent
+		settings := &config.TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      config.CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "claude",
+			Agents: map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-custom": {
+					Command: "my-agent",
+					Args:    []string{"--flag"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+		if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("save settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Load agent registry
+		registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+		if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load agent registry: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{}
+		err := runConfigAgentList(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentList failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("JSON output", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Set JSON flag
+		configAgentListJSON = true
+		defer func() { configAgentListJSON = false }()
+
+		// Load agent registry
+		registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+		if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load agent registry: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Capture output
+		// Note: This test verifies the command runs without error
+		// Full JSON validation would require capturing stdout
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{}
+		err := runConfigAgentList(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentList failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+func TestConfigAgentGet(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("gets built-in agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Load agent registry
+		registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+		if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load agent registry: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"claude"}
+		err := runConfigAgentGet(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentGet failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("gets custom agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Create settings with custom agent
+		settings := &config.TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      config.CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "claude",
+			Agents: map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-custom": {
+					Command: "my-agent",
+					Args:    []string{"--flag1", "--flag2"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+		if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("save settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Load agent registry
+		registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+		if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load agent registry: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"my-custom"}
+		err := runConfigAgentGet(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentGet failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("returns error for unknown agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Load agent registry
+		registryPath := config.DefaultAgentRegistryPath(townRoot)
+		if err := config.LoadAgentRegistry(registryPath); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load agent registry: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command with unknown agent
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"unknown-agent"}
+		err := runConfigAgentGet(cmd, args)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("expected error for unknown agent")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not found") {
+			t.Errorf("error = %v, want 'not found'", err)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+func TestConfigAgentSet(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("sets custom agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"my-agent", "my-agent --arg1 --arg2"}
+		err := runConfigAgentSet(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentSet failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings were saved
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if loaded.Agents == nil {
+			t.Fatal("Agents map is nil")
+		}
+		agent, ok := loaded.Agents["my-agent"]
+		if !ok {
+			t.Fatal("custom agent not found in settings")
+		}
+		if agent.Command != "my-agent" {
+			t.Errorf("Command = %q, want 'my-agent'", agent.Command)
+		}
+		if len(agent.Args) != 2 {
+			t.Errorf("Args count = %d, want 2", len(agent.Args))
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("sets agent with single command (no args)", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"simple-agent", "simple-agent"}
+		err := runConfigAgentSet(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentSet failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings were saved
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		agent := loaded.Agents["simple-agent"]
+		if agent.Command != "simple-agent" {
+			t.Errorf("Command = %q, want 'simple-agent'", agent.Command)
+		}
+		if len(agent.Args) != 0 {
+			t.Errorf("Args count = %d, want 0", len(agent.Args))
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("overrides existing agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Create initial settings
+		settings := &config.TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      config.CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "claude",
+			Agents: map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-agent": {
+					Command: "old-command",
+					Args:    []string{"--old"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+		if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("save initial settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command to override
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"my-agent", "new-command --new"}
+		err := runConfigAgentSet(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentSet failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings were updated
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		agent := loaded.Agents["my-agent"]
+		if agent.Command != "new-command" {
+			t.Errorf("Command = %q, want 'new-command'", agent.Command)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+func TestConfigAgentRemove(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("removes custom agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Create settings with custom agent
+		settings := &config.TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      config.CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "claude",
+			Agents: map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-agent": {
+					Command: "my-agent",
+					Args:    []string{"--flag"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+		if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("save settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"my-agent"}
+		err := runConfigAgentRemove(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigAgentRemove failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify agent was removed
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if loaded.Agents != nil {
+			if _, ok := loaded.Agents["my-agent"]; ok {
+				t.Error("agent still exists after removal")
+			}
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("rejects removing built-in agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Try to remove a built-in agent
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"claude"}
+		err := runConfigAgentRemove(cmd, args)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("expected error when removing built-in agent")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "cannot remove built-in") {
+			t.Errorf("error = %v, want 'cannot remove built-in'", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("returns error for non-existent custom agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Try to remove a non-existent agent
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"non-existent"}
+		err := runConfigAgentRemove(cmd, args)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("expected error for non-existent agent")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not found") {
+			t.Errorf("error = %v, want 'not found'", err)
+		}
+	})
+}
+
+func TestConfigDefaultAgent(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("gets default agent (shows current)", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Run the command with no args (should show current default)
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{}
+		err := runConfigDefaultAgent(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigDefaultAgent failed: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("sets default agent to built-in", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Set default to gemini
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"gemini"}
+		err := runConfigDefaultAgent(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigDefaultAgent failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings were saved
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if loaded.DefaultAgent != "gemini" {
+			t.Errorf("DefaultAgent = %q, want 'gemini'", loaded.DefaultAgent)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("sets default agent to custom", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+		settingsPath := config.TownSettingsPath(townRoot)
+
+		// Create settings with custom agent
+		settings := &config.TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      config.CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "claude",
+			Agents: map[string]*config.RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-custom": {
+					Command: "my-agent",
+					Args:    []string{},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+		if err := config.SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("save settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Set default to custom agent
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"my-custom"}
+		err := runConfigDefaultAgent(cmd, args)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("runConfigDefaultAgent failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify settings were saved
+		loaded, err := config.LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("load settings: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if loaded.DefaultAgent != "my-custom" {
+			t.Errorf("DefaultAgent = %q, want 'my-custom'", loaded.DefaultAgent)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("returns error for unknown agent", func(t *testing.T) {
+		townRoot := setupTestTownForConfig(t)
+
+		// Change to town root
+		originalWd, _ := os.Getwd()
+		defer os.Chdir(originalWd)
+		if err := os.Chdir(townRoot); err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("chdir: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Try to set default to unknown agent
+		cmd := &cobra.Command{}
+		args := []string{"unknown-agent"}
+		err := runConfigDefaultAgent(cmd, args)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Fatal("expected error for unknown agent")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(err.Error(), "not found") {
+			t.Errorf("error = %v, want 'not found'", err)
+		}
+	})
+}
diff --git a/internal/config/loader.go b/internal/config/loader.go
index cfb53131..40bae010 100644
--- a/internal/config/loader.go
+++ b/internal/config/loader.go
@@ -691,6 +691,31 @@ func LoadOrCreateTownSettings(path string) (*TownSettings, error) {
 	return &settings, nil
 }
 
+// SaveTownSettings saves town settings to a file.
+func SaveTownSettings(path string, settings *TownSettings) error {
+	if settings.Type != "town-settings" && settings.Type != "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: expected type 'town-settings', got '%s'", ErrInvalidType, settings.Type)
+	}
+	if settings.Version > CurrentTownSettingsVersion {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%w: got %d, max supported %d", ErrInvalidVersion, settings.Version, CurrentTownSettingsVersion)
+	}
+
+	if err := os.MkdirAll(filepath.Dir(path), 0755); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("creating directory: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	data, err := json.MarshalIndent(settings, "", "  ")
+	if err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("encoding settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	if err := os.WriteFile(path, data, 0644); err != nil { //nolint:gosec // G306: settings files don't contain secrets
+		return fmt.Errorf("writing settings: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	return nil
+}
+
 // ResolveAgentConfig resolves the agent configuration for a rig.
 // It looks up the agent by name in town settings (custom agents) and built-in presets.
 //
@@ -783,7 +808,12 @@ func fillRuntimeDefaults(rc *RuntimeConfig) *RuntimeConfig {
 // for starting an LLM session. It resolves the agent config and builds the command.
 func GetRuntimeCommand(rigPath string) string {
 	if rigPath == "" {
-		return DefaultRuntimeConfig().BuildCommand()
+		// Try to detect town root from cwd for town-level agents (mayor, deacon)
+		townRoot, err := findTownRootFromCwd()
+		if err != nil {
+			return DefaultRuntimeConfig().BuildCommand()
+		}
+		return ResolveAgentConfig(townRoot, "").BuildCommand()
 	}
 	// Derive town root from rig path (rig is typically ~/gt/<rigname>)
 	townRoot := filepath.Dir(rigPath)
@@ -793,15 +823,50 @@ func GetRuntimeCommand(rigPath string) string {
 // GetRuntimeCommandWithPrompt returns the full command with an initial prompt.
 func GetRuntimeCommandWithPrompt(rigPath, prompt string) string {
 	if rigPath == "" {
-		return DefaultRuntimeConfig().BuildCommandWithPrompt(prompt)
+		// Try to detect town root from cwd for town-level agents (mayor, deacon)
+		townRoot, err := findTownRootFromCwd()
+		if err != nil {
+			return DefaultRuntimeConfig().BuildCommandWithPrompt(prompt)
+		}
+		return ResolveAgentConfig(townRoot, "").BuildCommandWithPrompt(prompt)
 	}
 	townRoot := filepath.Dir(rigPath)
 	return ResolveAgentConfig(townRoot, rigPath).BuildCommandWithPrompt(prompt)
 }
 
+// findTownRootFromCwd locates the town root by walking up from cwd.
+// It looks for the mayor/town.json marker file.
+// Returns empty string and no error if not found (caller should use defaults).
+func findTownRootFromCwd() (string, error) {
+	cwd, err := os.Getwd()
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("getting cwd: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	absDir, err := filepath.Abs(cwd)
+	if err != nil {
+		return "", fmt.Errorf("resolving path: %w", err)
+	}
+
+	const marker = "mayor/town.json"
+
+	current := absDir
+	for {
+		if _, err := os.Stat(filepath.Join(current, marker)); err == nil {
+			return current, nil
+		}
+
+		parent := filepath.Dir(current)
+		if parent == current {
+			return "", fmt.Errorf("town root not found (no %s marker)", marker)
+		}
+		current = parent
+	}
+}
+
 // BuildStartupCommand builds a full startup command with environment exports.
 // envVars is a map of environment variable names to values.
-// rigPath is optional - if empty, uses defaults.
+// rigPath is optional - if empty, tries to detect town root from cwd.
 // prompt is optional - if provided, appended as the initial prompt.
 func BuildStartupCommand(envVars map[string]string, rigPath, prompt string) string {
 	var rc *RuntimeConfig
@@ -810,7 +875,13 @@ func BuildStartupCommand(envVars map[string]string, rigPath, prompt string) stri
 		townRoot := filepath.Dir(rigPath)
 		rc = ResolveAgentConfig(townRoot, rigPath)
 	} else {
-		rc = DefaultRuntimeConfig()
+		// Try to detect town root from cwd for town-level agents (mayor, deacon)
+		townRoot, err := findTownRootFromCwd()
+		if err != nil {
+			rc = DefaultRuntimeConfig()
+		} else {
+			rc = ResolveAgentConfig(townRoot, "")
+		}
 	}
 
 	// Build environment export prefix
diff --git a/internal/config/loader_test.go b/internal/config/loader_test.go
index 548b6d69..2dcb4510 100644
--- a/internal/config/loader_test.go
+++ b/internal/config/loader_test.go
@@ -970,3 +970,133 @@ func TestLoadRuntimeConfigFallsBackToDefaults(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Errorf("Command = %q, want %q (default)", rc.Command, "claude")
 	}
 }
+
+func TestSaveTownSettings(t *testing.T) {
+	t.Run("saves valid town settings", func(t *testing.T) {
+		tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+		settingsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "settings", "config.json")
+
+		settings := &TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "gemini",
+			Agents: map[string]*RuntimeConfig{
+				"my-agent": {
+					Command: "my-agent",
+					Args:    []string{"--arg1", "--arg2"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+
+		err := SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("SaveTownSettings failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify file exists
+		data, err := os.ReadFile(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("reading settings file: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify it contains expected content
+		content := string(data)
+		if !strings.Contains(content, `"type": "town-settings"`) {
+			t.Errorf("missing type field")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(content, `"default_agent": "gemini"`) {
+			t.Errorf("missing default_agent field")
+		}
+		if !strings.Contains(content, `"my-agent"`) {
+			t.Errorf("missing custom agent")
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("creates parent directories", func(t *testing.T) {
+		tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+		settingsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "deeply", "nested", "settings", "config.json")
+
+		settings := NewTownSettings()
+
+		err := SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("SaveTownSettings failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		// Verify file exists
+		if _, err := os.Stat(settingsPath); err != nil {
+			t.Errorf("settings file not created: %v", err)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("rejects invalid type", func(t *testing.T) {
+		tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+		settingsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "config.json")
+
+		settings := &TownSettings{
+			Type:    "invalid-type",
+			Version: CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+		}
+
+		err := SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Error("expected error for invalid type")
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("rejects unsupported version", func(t *testing.T) {
+		tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+		settingsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "config.json")
+
+		settings := &TownSettings{
+			Type:    "town-settings",
+			Version: CurrentTownSettingsVersion + 100,
+		}
+
+		err := SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, settings)
+		if err == nil {
+			t.Error("expected error for unsupported version")
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("roundtrip save and load", func(t *testing.T) {
+		tmpDir := t.TempDir()
+		settingsPath := filepath.Join(tmpDir, "config.json")
+
+		original := &TownSettings{
+			Type:         "town-settings",
+			Version:      CurrentTownSettingsVersion,
+			DefaultAgent: "codex",
+			Agents: map[string]*RuntimeConfig{
+				"custom-1": {
+					Command: "custom-agent",
+					Args:    []string{"--flag"},
+				},
+			},
+		}
+
+		err := SaveTownSettings(settingsPath, original)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("SaveTownSettings failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		loaded, err := LoadOrCreateTownSettings(settingsPath)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("LoadOrCreateTownSettings failed: %v", err)
+		}
+
+		if loaded.Type != original.Type {
+			t.Errorf("Type = %q, want %q", loaded.Type, original.Type)
+		}
+		if loaded.Version != original.Version {
+			t.Errorf("Version = %d, want %d", loaded.Version, original.Version)
+		}
+		if loaded.DefaultAgent != original.DefaultAgent {
+			t.Errorf("DefaultAgent = %q, want %q", loaded.DefaultAgent, original.DefaultAgent)
+		}
+
+		if len(loaded.Agents) != len(original.Agents) {
+			t.Errorf("Agents count = %d, want %d", len(loaded.Agents), len(original.Agents))
+		}
+	})
+}