Randy Billings

Press Herald

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Latest

Published
September 1, 2017

With mayor’s backing, labor advocates push for mandatory paid sick leave in Portland

If adopted, the proposal to be unveiled Monday would make Portland the first community in Maine to require all businesses to provide earned paid sick leave.
Published
August 31, 2017

Portland installs sound monitors around city in response to noise complaints

The study of sound levels is intended to determine a ‘baseline’ for noise in the city and eventually help resolve complaints about concerts and loud bar patrons.
Published
August 28, 2017

Portland activists hope to shake up City Council in November elections

Two progressives are seeking the seat of a 16-year councilor, plus there are two other contested council seats, citizen initiatives and a referendum to decide the long-debated bond to repair elementary schools.
Published
August 28, 2017

Solar project forces Portland to tackle longstanding issues at closed landfill

City officials admit the site has been allowed to deteriorate, and now remediation may disrupt installation of the 2,800 power panels.
Published
August 27, 2017

Staff vacancies brings Portland nursing home overtime to same level as firefighters, police

A program to train immigrants as CNAs tries to address the shortage.
Published
August 21, 2017

Hearings set for Portland ballot measures nearly derailed by city clerk’s mistake

The proposals for a rent stabilization ordinance and changes in the rezoning process will get public hearings on Sept. 6.
Published
August 21, 2017

Portland council approves sale of site for Wex office building near waterfront

A developer will pay $3.3 million for 1.1 acres near the eastern waterfront, with plans for a 4-story, 100,000-square-foot building.
Published
August 15, 2017

Opponents organize to fight rent limits in Portland

A group that includes landlords and building contractors says it will oppose a referendum effort to pass a rent stabilization ordinance.
Published
August 14, 2017

Affordable housing in the works for East Bayside, East Deering

The Portland Housing Authority is poised to file plans for 2 projects totaling more than 155 units of housing.
Published
August 10, 2017

Error kept 2 citizens initiatives off Portland ballot; another may put them on it

A 2011 change to an ordinance requiring the City Council to hold a public hearing on any citizens initiative at least 90 days before the election apparently wasn’t properly enacted.

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