In his temporary role, he will manage a $221 million budget and more than 1,400 employees.
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
Crowd of 100 marches on Portland City Hall to protest racism
Protesters, chanting ‘black lives matter,’ occupy the City Council chambers before marching to the police station.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland council committee endorses citywide minimum wage
The scaled-down version of Mayor Michael Brennan’s proposal still has to go before the City Council.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland’s bag fee goes into effect: Will consumers change their behavior?
Some wonder if the city’s 5-cent charge – small compared to other places – will fulfill its aim to spur use of reusable bags and reduce litter.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s search for new city manager becomes urgent
With the impending departure of Sheila Hill-Christian, there’s no natural successor in place.
Posted inMaine, News
Turnover leads to calls for Portland to change its government structure again
With another top manager leaving, some city councilors wonder if the job of elected full-time mayor, approved in 2010, causes problems in defining roles.
Posted inMaine, News
Environmentalists cheer as Portland prepares to impose bag fee, plastic foam ban
The two new city ordinances take effect Wednesday.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s acting city manager leaving post
Sheila Hill-Christian is leaving the top job at City Hall to take a position as assistant city manager in Cincinnati.
Posted inLife & Culture, News
Portland approves Congress Street closure for art walk
The City Council goes along with the June 5 road closure, but wants a better plan to keep traffic and public buses moving.
Posted inMaine, News
Mayor wants budget to reflect Portland’s values
Michael Brennan says he doesn’t want city councilors to be swayed by ‘external negative forces.’