A lawyer for opponents of the city’s planned 208-bed homeless services center in Riverton threatens a lawsuit if city officials say that referendum votes can’t scale back the plan.
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 inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Climate change, racial equity among the issues in Portland’s District 2 race
A political newcomer is taking on a longtime Portland resident and former elected official for a seat on the Portland City Council representing the West End and Parkside.
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Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Affordability, homelessness animate Portland City Council District 1 race
Two candidates are running to replace City Councilor Belinda Ray, who is not seeking a third term.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Competition fierce for an at-large seat on Portland City Council
All four candidates cite voters’ worries about the city’s increasing lack of affordability, especially in housing.
Posted inMaine
Portland council approves expanded property tax relief for seniors
The move follows the city’s first revaluation in 15 years, which led to dramatic tax increases to some homeowners, particularly those on the peninsula.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland council decides not to require masks in public settings to fight COVID-19
Instead, city councilors decide to reinforce public education and outreach, encouraging everyone in the city to take steps to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland city attorney nominated to serve as interim city manager
Corporation Counsel Danielle West still needs to be confirmed by the City Council at its Oct. 4 meeting to replace Jon Jennings.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland considers raising pay for some city jobs to address staffing shortages
City Manager Jon Jennings says, ‘There’s no waiting for the next budget cycle,’ with the city struggling to fill vacant positions in health care, child care and public works.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland makes closures for outdoor dining permanent, eyes remake of iconic Old Port streets
City Manager Jon Jennings says his staff is recommending a project to remake Wharf and Dana streets in the Old Port using money from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland may turn down the volume in Bayside amid increasing noise complaints
A consultant is studying sound levels, but city officials already are eying changes to rein in the noise from outdoor music venues.