Ashley E. Nickels is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Kent State University. Nickels is an interdisciplinary scholar, whose work focuses on urban politics and policy, community-based organizations and organizing, and local democracy. Nickels' current research investigates the politics of municipal takeovers, focusing on policy design, implementation, and feedback. She is co-editor of Grand Rapids Grassroots: An Anthology (Belt) and co-editor of Feminist Pedagogy, Practice, and Activism (Routledge).

Jason D. Rivera is an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science (division of Public Administration) at SUNY Buffalo State. His research focuses on the institutional structures that have historically perpetuated social vulnerability within minority and low-income communities. He is also interested in social vulnerability to natural and manmade disasters with an emphasis on minority experiences. Prior to his arrival at SUNY Buffalo State, Rivera has taught Public Administration and Political Science at Rowan University and Rutgers University-Camden.