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.
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PublishedApril 12, 2021
Bill would impose new fees on vacation homes, short-term rentals
The proposal is generating opposition from real estate agents and tourism officials, who acknowledge Maine’s affordable housing crisis but say a new fee is not the answer.
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PublishedApril 10, 2021
Portland may move social service, public health services to Forest Avenue
A new proposal would consolidate staff and programming now at 4 locations into the office building at 39 Forest Ave.
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PublishedApril 5, 2021
Internet outage prompts Portland council to reconsider Munjoy Hill historic district next week
Monday’s widespread outage interrupted the council’s online meeting, prompting the move to reschedule for April 12.
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PublishedApril 5, 2021
Diverse group of 24 people running for 9 seats on Portland’s charter commission
The panel will have authority to recommend major changes to the city’s charter, although any reforms would need to be approved in a future citywide vote.
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PublishedApril 2, 2021
Portland mayor rescinds controversial proclamation
The move comes 3 weeks after former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh rescinded a similar proclamation that stirred tensions rooted in a historical conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
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PublishedApril 2, 2021
Portland landlord sues city to prevent new ordinance from revealing rents
The lawsuit argues that information about rents amounts to trade secrets that could be used by other landlords in a competitive rental market.
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PublishedApril 1, 2021
West End resident organizing effort to rescind neighborhood’s historic designation
The request to dissolve the West End Historic District comes as city councilors reconsider a new historic district across the peninsula on Munjoy Hill.
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PublishedMarch 30, 2021
Restaurants’ complaints lead Portland to look at regulating food delivery services
Two city councilors are drafting a proposal to require third-party food delivery services to have a formal agreement with the restaurants before offering delivery.
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PublishedMarch 29, 2021
Portland public art gets a fresh look through social justice lens
The city’s public art collection will be reviewed to make sure it reflects cultural and racial diversity and social justice, a process known as decolonizing.
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PublishedMarch 24, 2021
Portland approves 171-unit apartment building, with more in pipeline
The largest apartment project approved by the city since 2014 could be under construction by this fall, promising much-needed housing.
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