diff --git a/CHANGES.rst b/CHANGES.rst
index 3e94536a6..a0e80dd8b 100644
--- a/CHANGES.rst
+++ b/CHANGES.rst
@@ -1,3 +1,15 @@
+1.18.0 (unreleased)
+-------------------
+
+New Features
+^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
+Bug Fixes
+^^^^^^^^^
+
+Other Changes and Additions
+^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+
 1.17.0 (2024-10-04)
 -------------------