Assistant Planner
Ethan Walthorn
Ethan is an assistant planner who provides support with multiple planning projects, including comprehensive master plans, zoning ordinances and administration, and community engagement. His major passions are promoting walkability and reducing our dependence on the use of cars, mixed-use zoning and missing middle housing, and adapting our communities to prepare for the changing climate.
Ethan holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Sustainable Planning with an emphasis in Climate Resiliency Planning and a minor in Environmental Studies from Grand Valley State University. He also holds a GIS certificate from GVSU and was the Vice-President of the GVSU Geography Club.
Ethan is involved in the Downtown Neighbor Network of Grand Rapids, helping form Downtown Grand Rapids into a friendly community of neighbors. His most recent interest with the Network is developing a shared community garden Downtown for easy access to healthy, affordable food options.
Back to people
“ The most rewarding part of my work is bringing together communities to identify problems and create sustainable solutions that the whole community can get behind. A community is supposed to be a place of caring and compassion, so helping a community refine its identity and bring people together is one of my favorite things to see.