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.

Maine, News

Housing activists get enough signatures to prompt vote on limiting Portland rent increases

by Randy Billings August 4, 2017August 4, 2017

Fair Rent Portland will announce Monday that it has more than enough signatures to get its rent stabilization proposal on the November ballot.

Maine, News, Schools and Education

Progressive Portland gives $20,000 to 4-school renovation campaign

by Randy Billings August 3, 2017August 4, 2017

The contribution gives a major financial boost to the drive to pass a $64 million bond to refurbish Reiche, Lyseth, Longfellow and Presumpscot schools.

Maine, News

Portland woman living in condemned building died of heart attack, medical examiner says

by Randy Billings August 3, 2017August 3, 2017

‘Maggie’ Peters, who had struggled with homelessness, was forced to live in shabby conditions after being evicted from her previous apartment so it could be renovated to allow higher rents.

Maine, News

Portland to roll out recycling carts, replacing open bins

by Randy Billings August 2, 2017August 2, 2017

The 25,000 carts will be distributed over most of the month and are intended to cut down litter, a problem with the open-top blue bins.

Maine, News

Strimling, city manager to meet weekly in effort to resolve differences

by Randy Billings August 1, 2017August 1, 2017

The first meeting of Portland’s feuding leaders is expected Aug. 14, and at City Manager Jon Jennings’ request, will include the deputy city manager.

Maine, News, Politics

Councilors to Mayor Strimling: ‘You need to get it together’

by Randy Billings July 31, 2017August 1, 2017

Portland councilors’ effort to ease tension between the mayor and City Manager Jon Jennings makes little progress, and Jennings says he’ll resign if he has to give the mayor free access to city staffers.