diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index aa44af93f..b01413d9b 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ endif ()
 # still link to the alpha manual online.
 
 # Set this value to 0 for alpha, 1 for beta, 2 for release builds
-set( AUDACITY_BUILD_LEVEL 0 )
+set( AUDACITY_BUILD_LEVEL 0 CACHE STRING "0 for alpha, 1 for beta, 2 for release builds" )
 
 # The Audacity version
 # Increment as appropriate after release of a new version, and set back
diff --git a/scripts/ci/configure.sh b/scripts/ci/configure.sh
index 6a9cd06fd..a1b2c363f 100755
--- a/scripts/ci/configure.sh
+++ b/scripts/ci/configure.sh
@@ -58,6 +58,7 @@ fi
 if [[ ${GIT_BRANCH} == release* ]]; then
     cmake_args+=(
         -D audacity_package_manual=yes
+        -D AUDACITY_BUILD_LEVEL=2
     )
 fi