She faces an uphill battle, but that hasn’t stopped her from pushing for restraint to salvage the city’s affordability for the middle class.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
Portland toughens rules on abandoned bikes
Any bike left in a public right of way for over 30 days can now be seized, regardless of condition.
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Posted inMaine
Old Port bar ordered to keep volume low this summer
The Thirsty Pig is allowed to have live outdoor music, but the City Council says amplifiers are not allowed.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland enacts zoning rules for retail marijuana stores, but leaves key issue unsettled
The City Council decides to allow marijuana sales in several business zones, but puts off a decision on whether to allow those retailers to also sell non-marijuana products such as coffee or baked goods.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Moratorium forces restaurant to scale back expansion
The Dry Dock Restaurant & Tavern will modify its plans after the city passed waterfront development restrictions.
Posted inMaine, News
State land near jail stands out among sites for new homeless shelter in Portland
The location’s size and proximity to city services separate it from 10 others being considered.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland moves to offer city-owned land for housing
The effort aims to address the demand for affordable rental units in the city.
Posted inCops & Courts, News
Court document details how Alaska State Troopers tracked down murder suspect in Maine
More than a quarter-century after a Native Alaskan woman was brutally slain in Fairbanks, authorities say they used the latest in DNA technology to identify her killer in Auburn.
Posted inBusiness, Maine
Portland council and Maine Legislature consider mandated paid sick leave
Two of Portland’s largest employers asked the city to hold off on a new policy until legislators decide whether to pass a state law.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland ordinance to require livable wages for construction contractors to get hearing
But concerns are raised about potential costs to the city and a possible legal challenge.