My name is Shakeel Dalal. I’m 38 years old, and a scientist by profession. I’m a proud product of public education system, culminating in a PhD in Chemistry. I’ve started two businesses in Longmont. Today, I build and test spaceships.
I live in Old Town with my fiancée Krista Ahlberg, a 4th generation Longmonter, and our dog Remy. We are excited to have kids, grow old, and die here.
Public service is my passion. As an immigrant who came to the United States at six months old, I feel a deep responsibility to contribute to the American project — and make sure the opportunities that allowed my family to thrive remain available to the next generation.
As co-founder and former president of LAUNCH Longmont Housing, I worked to create a city where families can afford homes, children bike safely to school, and environmental values shape our neighborhoods.
From 2018 to 2020, I was on the Board of Advisors of the Longmont Observer, moderating City Council debates across three election cycles and a U.S. House of Representatives debate.
I helped found Longmont Public Media and served on its Board of Advisors from 2020 to 2023. Since 2021, I have served on the board of the Longmont Community Foundation.
Since 2020, I have been a member of the City of Longmont Professional Standards Unit, reviewing police conduct to uphold public trust.