LAUNCH, the Longmont Alliance for Urbanism, Neighborhoods & Community Housing, is a grassroots coalition of neighbors who live and work in the Front Range. Founded in early 2023 by Shakeel Dalal and Taylor Wicklund, LAUNCH began in response to a controversial housing development project in Longmont, Colorado, which is how Shakeel and Drew Sorrells, now Co-Presidents, met. The project sparked mixed reactions from neighbors who were concerned about the impact of housing construction in their neighborhood. Recognizing that housing challenges extend far beyond neighborhood boundaries, LAUNCH sought to include more voices in the conversation, advocating for a broader, citywide approach to addressing the housing shortage.
“We think in a ten-year horizon for structural change,” said Shakeel Dalal. “Our goal is not only to address the immediate need for affordable housing but also to empower residents to advocate for long-term solutions that work for everyone.” Despite having different professional backgrounds, Shakeel and Drew share a common vision for equitable housing solutions and community resilience. Drew Sorrells, an interior designer and business owner, became involved in the movement after working on the Bohn Farm Project, which highlighted the importance of building strong, supportive communities.
“I realized how essential it is to support communities through well-designed, sustainable structures that go beyond just aesthetics,” Drew shared. “Through my work, I’ve evolved in my own business to create designs that last a lifetime, and more, considering how buildings and neighborhoods will stand the test of time.”
Shakeel’s journey to this work was deeply influenced by his experiences in Madison, Wisconsin, and Chicago, where he encountered the challenges of car-dependent communities. When he moved to Longmont, he saw an opportunity to make a difference in a city that is known for its people-centric atmosphere but still faces development challenges.
“Longmont is a unique place where you can meet your neighbors and feel part of a community, but it’s not equally accessible for all residents,” Shakeel explained. “I wanted to be part of the solution to ensure everyone can live and thrive here.”
Over the past year, LAUNCH has made significant strides in changing the conversation about housing. One of the organization’s proudest accomplishments was helping Longmont become the first city to eliminate parking minimums, a policy change that reduces costs, improves traffic safety and supports affordability. “We’re moving away from the outdated approach of subsidizing housing for a lucky few and shifting toward solutions that also consider how we build and plan our cities and neighborhoods,” said Shakeel. LAUNCH plans to continue fostering conversations about housing through community engagement.
Drew highlighted one of the organization’s upcoming initiatives—creating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) toolkit. These affordable “casitas” or “mother-in-law suites” can provide additional housing options on existing properties, without the hefty costs of new construction. “ADUs are a relatively affordable way to add housing to a lot, and we are striving to work with the city to streamline the permitting and financing processes to make them easier for homeowners to build,” Drew said. “This will also help people age in place, providing a solution to a growing demographic challenge.”
Drew explained that while the organization has made great strides, participation in meetings and events has been limited. As a small, fully volunteer-run organization, funding is a continual challenge. “We’re working full-time while also trying to engage the community and fund initiatives that support our mission,” Drew shared. “We need more people to become involved in our efforts. We welcome all opinions and strive to be a space where everyone can contribute to the housing conversation, no matter what their background,” Shakeel added.
Community members can support LAUNCH by volunteering, signing up for the newsletter, becoming a member, attending meetings, or donating directly through the organization’s website. LAUNCH is hosting an upcoming event this summer focused on “Aging in Place.” This dynamic conversation will explore housing solutions for an aging population and how communities can support residents as they grow older while staying in their homes. “We want to create a space for people to come together, share ideas, and work toward a future where everyone has a place to call home,” Drew said. “Whether you’re a community member, a developer, or an architect, there’s a role for you in this conversation.”
For more information on upcoming events or to get involved with LAUNCH Longmont, visit their website launchlongmonthousing.org
