Grounds for Change Ep. 2 | Compassion, Cleanups & CivicPlus

When Kathy Greggs goes live, she’s not afraid to speak from the heart.

Episode 2 of Grounds for Change opened with a moment of silence — honoring lives lost on 9/11 and in recent tragedies. Kathy reminded listeners that “no act of violence is ever acceptable — not in our city, not anywhere.”

What followed was a deeply human conversation about compassion, accountability, and how everyday choices shape the health of our neighborhoods.

1️⃣ Compassion First

Kathy shared a story from her childhood in Germany that shaped her entire approach to leadership. At six years old, after a homeless man took her allowance, her mother knelt beside her and said:

“If you don’t have compassion for someone in need, why should anyone have compassion for you?”

That lesson became the foundation of Kathy’s life of service — from the battlefield to community activism. She reminded Fayetteville that compassion isn’t weakness; it’s strength.

“We live off each other,” Kathy said. “Without my neighbor, I can’t stand strong.”

She tied that message to Suicide Prevention Month, urging residents to check on each other, show grace, and remember that every life matters.

2️⃣ Public Health and Accountability: The Vape Store Problem

Kathy’s fieldwork in District 7 revealed 15 vape shops — some within two blocks of each other.

She highlighted the new North Carolina law (HB900, July 1, 2025) that bans vape products not approved by the FDA. During her visits, she found one store selling unapproved products — proof that stronger enforcement and education are needed.

“We need a task force making sure businesses follow state law and protect our youth,” Kathy said.
“Healthy communities don’t profit from harm.”

She connected this issue to larger public health concerns — the balance between entrepreneurship and responsibility, and how business owners can lead with integrity while still thriving.

3️⃣ Community Cleanups: Restoring Pride Block by Block

Kathy spoke about the growing litter problem in District 7 — not just in mobile home communities, but in residential neighborhoods too.

“Policing up our city is everybody’s job,” she said. “When we clean together, we build together.”

She called for citywide cleanup days, bringing all council districts together — no boundaries, just teamwork.
Her vision: one Saturday morning of unified action followed by fellowship at a local park.

Because, as she put it, “Beautification is public safety too.”

4️⃣ Infrastructure, Ecosystems, and Everyday Life

Kathy connected Fayetteville’s daily challenges — potholes, stormwater, flooding, bus stops without shelter — to interconnected systems she calls “ecosystems of quality of life.”

“If I lose my wages, I lose my home. If I lose my home, I lose my job. When one system breaks, the whole ecosystem collapses.”

She called for a comprehensive review of city contracts and infrastructure spending, urging smarter investments in sidewalks, stormwater upgrades, and ADA-accessible transit shelters.

5️⃣ Technology That Works: Bringing Fayetteville into Real Time

A major focus of Episode 2 was digital accessibility and transparency.

Kathy demonstrated live how the City of Fayetteville’s website forces users through seven pages just to find one update — from Parks and Recreation events to crime mapping.

Her solution?
CivicPlus, a real-time digital platform used by cities nationwide.

“If other cities can give residents instant alerts, storm updates, and safety data, so can we,” Kathy said.
“Transparency means access — in 20 languages, ADA-compliant, and in real time.”

She even explained how CivicPlus could integrate AI updates that provide hourly reports on local incidents, helping residents make informed, safe decisions faster.

6️⃣ Democracy and the Power of a Voice

Throughout the conversation, Kathy returned to one constant theme: the people’s voice matters.

“Democracy isn’t a slogan,” she said. “It’s clean water, safe neighborhoods, and the right to be heard.”

She reminded residents that government websites and meetings only work if people can access them — and that technology, compassion, and accountability must work hand in hand to restore trust.

Kathy’s Final Word

“We can’t fix what we refuse to face.
Real change begins when we hold ourselves accountable — together.”

Kathy closed Episode 2 with three reminders:
✅ Check on your loved ones — especially veterans and youth.
✅ Take time for self-care — leadership starts with you.
✅ Show up to vote — early voting begins September 18th.

“Your voice matters. Your quality of life matters. Fayetteville’s future depends on it.”

— Kathy Greggs
U.S. Army Combat Veteran | Community Advocate | Candidate for Fayetteville City Council, District 7