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, Schools and Education

Portland council still at odds on $64 million bond for school renovations

by Randy Billings March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

For the second week in a row, the proposal fails to generate enough support to be put on the June ballot.

Business, Maine, News, Politics

Portland’s new rules limit short-term rentals, add fees for hosts

by Randy Billings March 27, 2017March 28, 2017

The ordinance to take effect Jan. 1 caps the number of short-term units in non-owner-occupied buildings at 300 and requires hosts to pay registration fees.

Maine, News

Portland says more than 100 asylum seekers may be cut off from General Assistance

by Randy Billings March 24, 2017March 24, 2017

The city is trying to determine whether it can replace the state aid without violating federal law.

Maine, News, Politics, Schools and Education

Neither side giving ground in showdown over Portland school bond

by Randy Billings March 21, 2017March 21, 2017

The City Council’s 6-3 vote in favor of a $64 million bond to renovate four elementary schools fell one vote short of making the ballot, but the battle has just begun.

Maine, News

Portland’s $64 million school renovation plan falls short of ballot by 1 vote

by Randy Billings March 20, 2017March 21, 2017

More than 50 people at a hearing call for borrowing to fix four schools, but three city councilors vote against it.

Maine, News, Schools and Education

Portland council considers putting multiple school bond questions on ballot

by Randy Billings March 17, 2017March 17, 2017

Two proposals to do fewer renovations in the short term would compete with a $64 million plan to fix four schools, a plan that lacks the seven votes necessary for approval.

Maine, News