diff --git a/_quarto.yml b/_quarto.yml
index 584c9e1..bea2b55 100644
--- a/_quarto.yml
+++ b/_quarto.yml
@@ -33,11 +33,13 @@ website:
           - text: Peer review trends
             href: peer-review/review-trends.qmd
 
-      - text: "pyOpenSci Package Metrics"
+      - text: "pyOpenSci Packages"
         menu:
+          - text: Package Activity Dashboard
+            href: pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
           - text: Accepted Package Metrics
             href: peer-review/accepted-packages.qmd
-          - text: Package Dashboard 
+          - text: Package Dashboard
             href: peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd
 
 
diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d936e39
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+# pyOpenSci Metrics Documentation
+
+This directory contains development documentation for the pyOpenSci metrics dashboard project.
+
+## Available Documentation
+
+### Dashboard-Specific Guides
+- **[pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md](./pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md)** - Complete development workflow for the main package dashboard (`peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd`)
+
+### Coming Soon
+- `package-activity-dashboard-workflow.md` - Workflow for the standalone activity dashboard
+- `development-environment-setup.md` - General environment setup guide
+- `data-sources-guide.md` - Understanding data files and sources
+- `troubleshooting-guide.md` - Common issues and solutions
+
+## Quick Links
+
+### For Dashboard Development
+- [Package Dashboard Workflow](./pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md) - Start here for `pyos-package-dashboard.qmd` development
+
+### For New Contributors
+- Check the main README.md in the repository root
+- Review the package dashboard workflow for understanding the codebase
+- See the troubleshooting section for common setup issues
+
+## Documentation Standards
+
+When adding new documentation:
+1. Use clear, descriptive filenames
+2. Include practical examples and code snippets
+3. Provide step-by-step instructions
+4. Add troubleshooting sections
+5. Update this README with new documentation links
+
+## Contributing to Documentation
+
+Documentation improvements are welcome! Please:
+1. Follow the existing format and style
+2. Test any code examples provided
+3. Update relevant cross-references
+4. Submit changes via pull request
diff --git a/docs/pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md b/docs/pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..acec29d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/pyos-package-dashboard-workflow.md
@@ -0,0 +1,318 @@
+# pyOpenSci Package Dashboard Development Workflow
+
+## Overview
+This guide covers the development workflow for the package-activity.qmd dashboard located in metrics/pyos-packages/. This dashboard specifically focuses on **identifying packages that have been inactive for 6+ months** to help the pyOpenSci team prioritize maintenance efforts.
+
+## File Purpose
+The `package-activity.qmd` creates a focused dashboard that shows:
+- **Inactive Package Identification** - Primary focus on packages needing attention (6+ months without commits)
+- **Package Activity Timeline** - All packages sorted by last commit date for context
+- **Maintenance Prioritization** - Clear separation between active and inactive packages
+- **Summary Statistics** - Quick overview of package health across the ecosystem
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+### System Requirements
+- **Python**: 3.9+ (3.10+ recommended for full functionality)
+- **Quarto**: Installed and accessible via command line
+- **Git**: For version control
+
+### Required Python Packages
+```bash
+pandas>=1.5.0
+altair>=4.2.0
+plotly>=5.0.0
+itables>=1.0.0
+jupyter>=1.0.0
+pyarrow>=10.0.0
+```
+
+### Data Dependencies
+- `_data/package_data.csv` - Contains package metadata with GitHub metrics
+- GitHub metadata in `gh_meta` column with fields:
+  - `last_commit` - Date of last repository commit
+  - `stargazers_count` - Number of GitHub stars
+  - `forks_count` - Number of repository forks
+  - `contrib_count` - Number of contributors
+  - `open_issues_count` - Number of open issues
+
+## Development Environment Setup
+
+### Recommended: Nox-Based Development (Preferred)
+This project uses Nox for automated environment management and task execution.
+
+```bash
+# Navigate to project directory
+cd /path/to/metrics
+
+# Install nox (can be installed globally or in a base environment)
+pip install nox
+
+# Verify Quarto installation
+quarto --version
+
+# Nox will handle the rest automatically
+```
+
+### Alternative: Manual Python Setup
+
+#### Option 1: Python 3.9 Setup (Current Working)
+```bash
+# Create virtual environment
+python3 -m venv venv
+source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
+
+# Install dependencies
+pip install --upgrade pip
+pip install pandas altair plotly itables jupyter pyarrow
+```
+
+#### Option 2: Python 3.10+ Setup (Full Functionality)
+```bash
+# Install Python 3.10+ (using pyenv example)
+pyenv install 3.10.12
+pyenv local 3.10.12
+
+# Create virtual environment
+python -m venv venv310
+source venv310/bin/activate
+
+# Install all dependencies including pyosmeta
+pip install -r requirements.txt
+```
+
+## Development Workflow
+
+### Nox-Based Workflow (Recommended)
+
+#### 1. Making Changes
+```bash
+# Navigate to project directory
+cd /path/to/metrics
+
+# Open the dashboard file for editing
+# Edit: pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
+```
+
+#### 2. Testing Changes with Nox
+```bash
+# Option A: Build static HTML (faster for testing)
+nox -s html
+
+# View output
+open _site/pyos-packages/package-activity.html
+```
+
+#### 3. Live Development with Nox
+```bash
+# Option B: Live preview with auto-reload (best for development)
+nox -s serve
+
+# This will:
+# - Install all dependencies automatically
+# - Start quarto preview
+# - Open browser with live reload
+# - Watch for file changes and rebuild automatically
+```
+
+### Manual Workflow (Alternative)
+
+#### 1. Making Changes
+```bash
+# Activate your virtual environment
+source venv/bin/activate  # or source venv310/bin/activate
+
+# Edit: pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
+```
+
+#### 2. Testing Changes Manually
+```bash
+# Render single dashboard (fast testing)
+quarto render pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
+
+# View output
+open _site/pyos-packages/package-activity.html
+```
+
+#### 3. Full Site Testing (Optional)
+```bash
+# Render entire site (slower, requires all dependencies)
+quarto render
+
+# Preview with live reload
+quarto preview
+```
+
+### 4. Validation Checklist
+- [ ] Dashboard renders without errors
+- [ ] **PRIMARY**: Inactive packages table shows packages with 6+ months no commits
+- [ ] Inactive packages table is prominently displayed and easy to identify
+- [ ] Value boxes highlight the count of inactive packages
+- [ ] All packages table provides context (sorted by last commit date)
+- [ ] Interactive features work (sorting, pagination)
+- [ ] No broken links or missing data
+- [ ] Dashboard clearly serves its purpose: identifying packages needing attention
+
+## Nox Sessions Available
+
+### `nox -s html`
+- **Purpose**: Build static HTML for the entire site
+- **Use case**: Testing, CI/CD, production builds
+- **Output**: Static files in `_site/` directory
+- **Dependencies**: Automatically installs requirements.txt and pyosmetrics_pkg
+
+### `nox -s serve`
+- **Purpose**: Live development server with auto-reload
+- **Use case**: Active development, real-time preview
+- **Features**:
+  - Watches for file changes
+  - Automatically rebuilds on changes
+  - Opens browser with live preview
+  - Hot reload for immediate feedback
+
+### Nox Configuration
+The project uses `nox.options.reuse_existing_virtualenvs = True` for faster subsequent runs.
+
+## File Structure Understanding
+
+### Dashboard Layout
+```
+## Row {height=0%}     - Data processing section
+## Row {height=5%}     - Summary value boxes (total, active, INACTIVE counts)
+## Row {height=45%}    - All packages table (sorted by last commit for context)
+## Row {height=45%}    - MAIN FOCUS: Inactive packages table (6+ months) ⭐
+```
+
+### Key Code Sections
+
+#### Data Loading & Processing
+```python
+# Lines 14-27: Import statements and setup
+# Lines 28-36: Load and parse package data
+# Lines 37-60: Extract GitHub metadata fields
+```
+
+#### Primary Feature: Inactive Package Identification
+```python
+# Lines 77-85: MAIN TABLE - Inactive packages (6+ months without commits)
+# This is the primary purpose of the dashboard
+```
+
+#### Supporting Features
+```python
+# Lines 61-75: Context table - All packages sorted by last commit date
+# Lines 87-120: Summary statistics highlighting inactive package count
+```
+
+## Common Development Tasks
+
+### Adding New Metrics
+1. **Extract from gh_meta**: Add new field extraction in data processing section
+2. **Create visualization**: Add new chart in appropriate row section
+3. **Update tables**: Include new field in table displays
+4. **Test rendering**: Verify new metrics display correctly
+
+### Modifying Table Columns
+1. **Locate table definition**: Find the relevant `show()` function call
+2. **Update column selection**: Modify the DataFrame column list
+3. **Adjust column names**: Update display names if needed
+4. **Test interactivity**: Ensure sorting/filtering still works
+
+### Changing Time Thresholds
+1. **Find threshold definition**: Locate `timedelta(days=180)` for 6-month threshold
+2. **Update calculation**: Modify days value as needed
+3. **Update documentation**: Change titles/descriptions to match new threshold
+4. **Verify logic**: Test with different date ranges
+
+### Adding New Visualizations
+1. **Choose location**: Select appropriate row section
+2. **Create chart code**: Use plotly.express for consistency
+3. **Apply styling**: Match existing color schemes and formatting
+4. **Add title**: Use `#| title:` directive for chart titles
+
+## Troubleshooting Guide
+
+### Common Issues
+
+#### "Module not found" errors
+```bash
+# Solution: Ensure virtual environment is activated
+source venv/bin/activate
+pip install [missing-package]
+```
+
+#### "No such file or directory" for data
+```bash
+# Solution: Verify data file exists
+ls _data/package_data.csv
+
+# Check current working directory in code
+# Ensure path: Path.cwd().parents[0] / "_data" / "package_data.csv"
+```
+
+#### Quarto rendering fails
+```bash
+# Solution: Check Quarto installation
+which quarto
+quarto check
+
+# Verify Python kernel
+jupyter kernelspec list
+```
+
+#### Empty or broken tables
+```bash
+# Solution: Check data processing
+# Verify gh_meta column parsing
+# Ensure DataFrame columns exist before table creation
+```
+
+### Performance Issues
+- **Slow rendering**: Use `maxBytes=0` in `show()` for large datasets
+- **Memory usage**: Consider data filtering for very large package lists
+- **Chart loading**: Reduce data points in visualizations if needed
+
+## Best Practices
+
+### Code Organization
+- Keep data processing at the top
+- Group related visualizations in same rows
+- Use consistent variable naming
+- Add comments for complex calculations
+
+### Testing
+- Always test individual dashboard rendering first
+- Verify with different data scenarios
+- Check responsive design on different screen sizes
+- Test interactive features thoroughly
+
+### Documentation
+- Update this workflow guide when making structural changes
+- Document any new dependencies or requirements
+- Note any breaking changes or migration steps
+
+## Contributing Changes
+
+### Before Submitting
+1. Test dashboard rendering locally
+2. Verify all interactive features work
+3. Check that no new dependencies are required
+4. Ensure code follows existing patterns
+
+### Commit Guidelines
+- Use descriptive commit messages
+- Reference related issues
+- Include testing notes in PR description
+
+## Related Files
+- `_data/package_data.csv` - Source data
+- `_quarto.yml` - Site navigation configuration
+- `pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd` - Standalone activity dashboard
+- `requirements.txt` - Python dependencies
+
+## Support
+For questions about this workflow or dashboard development:
+1. Check this documentation first
+2. Review existing GitHub issues
+3. Create new issue with specific problem details
+4. Include error messages and environment details
diff --git a/peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd b/peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd
index 1305271..5250419 100644
--- a/peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd
+++ b/peer-review/pyos-package-dashboard.qmd
@@ -14,24 +14,18 @@ execute:
 import ast
 import warnings
 from pathlib import Path
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta
 
 from itables import show
 import altair as alt
 import pandas as pd
 import plotly.express as px
 
-# This is a local module that stores the plot theme
-from pyosmetrics.plot_theme import load_poppins_font, register_and_enable_poppins_theme
-
 pd.options.mode.chained_assignment = None
 pd.options.future.infer_string = True
 
 warnings.filterwarnings("ignore")
 
-# Load the & register Poppins theme
-load_poppins_font()
-register_and_enable_poppins_theme()
-
 package_data_path = Path.cwd().parents[0] / "_data" / "package_data.csv" 
 package_df = pd.read_csv(package_data_path)
 
@@ -39,12 +33,17 @@ package_df = pd.read_csv(package_data_path)
 package_df['gh_meta'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
   lambda x: ast.literal_eval(x) if isinstance(x, str) else x
 )
+package_df['last_commit_date'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: x.get('last_commit') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
+)
+package_df['last_commit_date'] = pd.to_datetime(package_df['last_commit_date'])
+
 # Extract "forks_count" value from the 'gh_meta' column
 package_df['forks_count'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
   lambda x: x.get('forks_count'
   ) if isinstance(x, dict) else None
 )
-
+# Extract "contrib_count" value from the 'gh_meta' column
 package_df['contrib_count'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
   lambda x: x.get('contrib_count') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
 )
@@ -54,6 +53,28 @@ average_forks = int(package_df['forks_count'].mean())
 
 ```
 
+## Row {height=25%}
+
+```{python}
+#| title: "All Packages (Sortable by Last Commit Date)"
+
+sorted_df = package_df.sort_values("last_commit_date", ascending=False)[
+    ["package_name", "package_description", "last_commit_date"]
+]
+
+show(sorted_df, sortable=True, paging=True, maxBytes=0)
+```
+
+```{python}
+#| title: "Inactive Packages (No commits in last 6 months)"
+
+six_months_ago = datetime.now() - timedelta(days=180)
+
+inactive_df = sorted_df[sorted_df["last_commit_date"] < six_months_ago]
+
+show(inactive_df, sortable=True, paging=True, maxBytes=0)
+```
+
 ## Row {height=5%}
 
 ```{python}
diff --git a/pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd b/pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..52400b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pyos-packages/package-activity.qmd
@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+---
+title: "pyOpenSci Package Activity Dashboard"
+format: 
+  dashboard:
+    scrolling: true 
+execute:
+  echo: false
+---
+
+## Row {height=0%}
+
+```{python}
+#| echo: false
+import ast
+import warnings
+from pathlib import Path
+from datetime import datetime, timedelta
+
+from itables import show
+import pandas as pd
+
+pd.options.mode.chained_assignment = None
+pd.options.future.infer_string = True
+
+warnings.filterwarnings("ignore")
+
+# Load package data
+package_data_path = Path.cwd().parents[0] / "_data" / "package_data.csv" 
+package_df = pd.read_csv(package_data_path)
+
+# Parse the "gh_meta" column back into dictionaries
+package_df['gh_meta'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: ast.literal_eval(x) if isinstance(x, str) else x
+)
+
+# Extract relevant fields from gh_meta
+package_df['last_commit'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: x.get('last_commit') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
+)
+
+package_df['stargazers_count'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: x.get('stargazers_count') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
+)
+
+package_df['forks_count'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: x.get('forks_count') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
+)
+
+package_df['open_issues_count'] = package_df['gh_meta'].apply(
+  lambda x: x.get('open_issues_count') if isinstance(x, dict) else None
+)
+
+# Convert last_commit to datetime
+package_df['last_commit_date'] = pd.to_datetime(package_df['last_commit'], errors='coerce')
+
+# Calculate days since last commit
+today = datetime.now()
+package_df['days_since_last_commit'] = (today - package_df['last_commit_date']).dt.days
+
+# Create a clean dataframe for display
+display_df = package_df[['package_name', 'package_description', 'last_commit_date', 
+                        'days_since_last_commit', 'stargazers_count', 'forks_count', 
+                        'open_issues_count', 'repository_link']].copy()
+
+# Sort by last commit date (most recent first)
+display_df = display_df.sort_values('last_commit_date', ascending=False)
+
+# Create inactive packages dataframe (6+ months = 180+ days)
+six_months_ago = today - timedelta(days=180)
+inactive_df = display_df[display_df['last_commit_date'] < six_months_ago].copy()
+
+# Format dates for display
+display_df['last_commit_date'] = display_df['last_commit_date'].dt.strftime('%Y-%m-%d')
+inactive_df['last_commit_date'] = inactive_df['last_commit_date'].dt.strftime('%Y-%m-%d')
+
+# Get current date for display
+current_date = datetime.today().date()
+today_str = current_date.strftime("%d %B %Y")
+```
+
+*Last updated: **`{python} today_str`***
+
+## Row {height=5%}
+
+```{python}
+#| content: valuebox
+#| title: "Total Packages"
+
+total_packages = len(package_df)
+
+dict(
+  icon = "box2-heart",
+  color = "primary",
+  value = total_packages
+)
+```
+
+```{python}
+#| content: valuebox
+#| title: "Active Packages (< 6 months)"
+
+active_packages = len(display_df) - len(inactive_df)
+
+dict(
+  icon = "activity",
+  color = "success",
+  value = active_packages
+)
+```
+
+```{python}
+#| content: valuebox
+#| title: "Inactive Packages (6+ months)"
+
+inactive_count = len(inactive_df)
+
+dict(
+  icon = "pause-circle",
+  color = "warning",
+  value = inactive_count
+)
+```
+
+## Row {height=45%}
+
+```{python}
+#| title: "All Packages Sorted by Last Commit Date"
+
+# Rename columns for better display
+display_columns = {
+    'package_name': 'Package Name',
+    'package_description': 'Description', 
+    'last_commit_date': 'Last Commit',
+    'days_since_last_commit': 'Days Since Last Commit',
+    'stargazers_count': 'Stars',
+    'forks_count': 'Forks',
+    'open_issues_count': 'Open Issues',
+    'repository_link': 'Repository'
+}
+
+display_table = display_df.rename(columns=display_columns)
+
+# Show the table
+show(display_table)
+```
+
+## Row {height=45%}
+
+```{python}
+#| title: "Packages Inactive for 6+ Months"
+
+if len(inactive_df) > 0:
+    inactive_table = inactive_df.rename(columns=display_columns)
+    show(inactive_table)
+else:
+    print("🎉 Great news! All packages have been updated within the last 6 months.")
+```