diff --git a/cortex/model_registry.py b/cortex/model_registry.py
index 7ce23ac..e670a00 100644
--- a/cortex/model_registry.py
+++ b/cortex/model_registry.py
@@ -90,6 +90,7 @@ logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 # "orchestrator" is intentionally absent — Phase 2 keyword routing narrows it per message.
 ROLE_DEFAULT_TOOLS: dict[str, list[str] | None] = {
     "distill":  [],    # pure text processing — no tools needed
+    "janitor":  [],    # session compaction — no tools needed
     "research": ["web_search", "web_read", "http_fetch"],
     "coder": [
         "project_file_read", "project_file_list", "file_stat", "file_grep",
@@ -172,13 +173,14 @@ _ROLE_LAST_RESORT: dict[str, str] = {
     "chat":         "claude_cli",
     "orchestrator": "gemini_api",
     "distill":      "claude_cli",
+    "janitor":      "claude_cli",   # assign Haiku or a local model for cost savings
     "coder":        "claude_cli",
     "research":     "gemini_api",
 }
 
 PRIORITY_KEYS = ["primary", "backup_1", "backup_2", "backup_3", "backup_4"]
 
-REQUIRED_ROLES: list[str] = ["chat", "orchestrator", "distill"]
+REQUIRED_ROLES: list[str] = ["chat", "orchestrator", "distill", "janitor"]
 
 
 # ── Storage ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────