The office comes with an annual price tag of $260,000 and would be staffed by a director and two program managers.
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
Portland councilors finish with harsh words for Strimling
In further evidence of a schism with the mayor, two outgoing members and others criticize how he pushed his position on a city land deal.
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Posted inMaine
Portland’s top municipal attorney, city clerk win big pay raises
The increases sail through approval at a busy City Council meeting and bring the employees in line with the market, one councilor says.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland council rebukes mayor, votes to sell waterfront lot to developer
The roughly 12,000-square-foot parcel is seen as key to redeveloping the Portland Co. site on the eastern waterfront.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland approves modest reforms to address housing insecurity
The City Council unanimously adopts a package that adds a ‘Tenant Housing Rights’ section to an ordinance.
Posted inMaine, News
Council approves 60-day moratorium on developments near Portland’s parks
The temporary ban applies only to the East End and gives the city time to consider new rules to protect public scenic views amid a surge in building projects.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s Housing Committee recommends tenant-friendly policies
Proposals include longer notice of rent increases and establishing a tenant-landlord commission.
Posted inMaine, News
Councilor wants to delay Munjoy Hill project despite developer’s offer to maintain park views
Belinda Ray hopes to give Portland more time to craft protections for the entire city, but the builder says a delay could kill his plans for 155 Sheridan St.
Posted inMaine, News
Mayor Strimling criticizes plan to sell land to developer of Portland Co. project
Ethan Strimling says selling a 12,000-square-foot lot on the eastern waterfront for $400,000 is a bad deal for taxpayers.
Posted inMaine, News, Outdoors
Shots heard ’round 3 Portland islands as annual culling of deer begins
The special hunts are a regular part of life on Peaks, Cliff and Great Diamond as the city thins the herds to keep the animals from becoming a nuisance.