diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new_feature.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new_feature.yml
index 72e6a652d73..f119d40df11 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new_feature.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/new_feature.yml
@@ -20,14 +20,9 @@ body:
     id: description
     attributes:
       label: What new functionality do you need?
-      placeholder: Provide a consise description of the problem to be addressed by this new feature. Please be clear what parts of the problem are considered to be in-scope and out-of-scope
-    validations:
-      required: true
-
-  - type: textarea
-    id: requirements
-    attributes:
-      label: What are the requirements for the new functionality?
+      placeholder: Provide a concise description of the problem to be addressed by this new feature. Please be clear what parts of the problem are considered to be in-scope and out-of-scope.  Consider including:
+        - What are the requirements for the new functionality?
+        - Are there any links to related issues, discussions, or resources that provide additional context?
     validations:
       required: true
 
@@ -47,7 +42,7 @@ body:
         - [ ] Criterion #2
         - [ ] Criterion #3
     validations:
-      required: true
+      required: false
 
   - type: textarea
     id: suggested_solution
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/static_data.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/static_data.yml
index d5bd18a373f..e8af85e6f72 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/static_data.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/static_data.yml
@@ -4,10 +4,18 @@ labels: ["Static Data Mgmt"]
 projects: ["NOAA-EMC/41"]
 assignees:
   - DavidHuber-NOAA
-  - aerorahul 
+  - aerorahul
 
 body:
-  - type: dropdown
+  - type: markdown
+    attributes:
+      description: |
+        Process:
+        - Stage data on Ursa or WCOSS2
+        - Make sure permissions are set properly (global read access)
+        - CMs will push data and ask for verification
+
+  - type: checkboxes
     attributes:
       label: Type of static data
       description: |
@@ -21,7 +29,7 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: true
 
-  - type: dropdown
+  - type: checkboxes
     attributes:
       label: Target directory
       options:
@@ -78,7 +86,7 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: true
 
-  - type: dropdown
+  - type: checkboxes
     attributes:
       label: Any workflow changes needed?
       description: |
@@ -100,11 +108,11 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: false
 
-  - type: input
+  - type: textarea
     attributes:
       label: Pickup location
       description: |
-        Please provide a path to the data on either Hera or WCOSS.
+        Please provide path(s) to the data on either Ursa or WCOSS.
 
         If this requires a version update, please provide a CLEAN copy of the *entire* directory, including the structure and unchanged files from current directory.
 
@@ -113,14 +121,6 @@ body:
     validations:
       required: true
 
-  - type: input
-    attributes:
-      label: Size
-      description: How much data needs to be copied (size of pickup location in MB)?
-      placeholder: '0'
-    validations:
-      required: true
-
   - type: textarea
     attributes:
       label: Additional information
@@ -131,21 +131,19 @@ body:
 
   - type: checkboxes
     attributes:
-      label: Tasks for issue assignee
+      label: Checklist for GW CM
       options:
         - label: (Providing user) Discuss needs with global-workflow developer assigned to request
-        - label: (Providing user) Stage a CLEAN copy of data on Hera or WCOSS2 in the location provided above
         - label: (Global Workflow CM) Update data in "glopara"-managed space on supported platforms (see checklist below)
         - label: (Global Workflow CM - Fix only) Update "Fix File Management" [spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BeIvcz6TO3If4YCqkUK-oz_kGS9q2wTjwLS-BBemSEY/edit?usp=sharing)
         - label: (Developer) Make related workflow/component updates (if any)
 
   - type: checkboxes
     attributes:
-      label: Sync to supported platforms (for issue assignee)
+      label: Checklist for GW CM Only: Sync to supported platforms
       options:
         - label: WCOSS2
         - label: Gaea C6
-        - label: Hera
         - label: Ursa
         - label: MSU
         - label: AWS