City officials hope to transform the area into a modern, mixed-use neighborhood.
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 inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Proponents of 4-school bond in Portland cite favorable poll
They tout the results days before a rival group plans to launch a campaign supporting the two-school option.
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Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s city manager, mayor seem to have found a way to get along
After a long period of acrimony, the 2 men have been meeting at least on a weekly basis and describe the new relationship as collaborative and respectful.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland advances tax relief plan for low-income seniors
A proposal by Mayor Ethan Strimling won the support of a City Council committee this week.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland panel recommends sale of 4 Bayside parcels for $4 million
The sales could lead to the creation of more than 100 housing units in the city.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland bans the display of wild and exotic animals
The City Council votes unanimously to reject the use of big cats, elephants and a wide range of other animals in circus acts.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland designates 2nd Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The City Council, joining other Maine cities and towns, votes to no longer observe Columbus Day despite opposition from Italian-Americans.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland joins nationwide lawsuit against opioid manufacturers
The move the City Council ensures that the city would be entitled to a portion of any settlement stemming from the legal action against the makers of prescription painkillers.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland to consider recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day
The City Council will hear a proposal Monday to recognize the holiday on the second Monday of October, which is currently celebrated as Columbus Day.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland official defends councilors’ apparently illegal island meeting
Though state law says a gathering of 3 or more councilors represents a public meeting, the city says it didn’t need to post a public notice about the trip to Fort Gorges made by at least 7 members of the council.