Ethan Paik

Senior Analyst

Ethan leverages his expertise in place-based strategic planning and impact analysis to guide the implementation of transformative urban projects and initiatives.

Ethan is deeply involved in the company’s place-based work in AAPI neighborhoods. He guided the deployment of $20 million in state funding to capital projects in Manhattan’s Chinatown as part of Round 5 of New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Following the completion of the DRI planning process, he developed a programming and operations strategy for Welcome to Chinatown’s Small Business Innovation Hub, a resource center for legacy businesses and entrepreneurs.

Beyond his work with AAPI communities, Ethan develops governance plans, feasibility assessments, and operating budgets that empower clients to deliver impactful projects and initiatives in cities.

Ethan also advises clients on how to communicate the benefits they provide to urban communities through their operations and programming. He has quantified the economic and fiscal impacts for a range of clients, including Con Edison, LinkNYC, and URBAN-X (BMW-MINI’s urban tech accelerator).

Prior to joining HR&A’s New York Office, Ethan interned at Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, where he conducted market, transit, and demographic research to inform stakeholders of current and future real estate development opportunities within the Business Improvement District. He also supported wayfinding and transportation accessibility initiatives during his internship at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation.

Ethan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and a Minor in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. His senior honors thesis and GIS study evaluated the real estate development practices of urban universities through social, economic, racial, and spatial lenses.