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.

Business, Local & State

Portland clears way for 123-unit housing project at Camelot Farm despite lawsuit

by Randy Billings November 30, 2017December 1, 2017

Neighbors opposed to the development are challenging the city’s decision to rezone the land.

Local & State, News

Portland aims to add tenants’ rights in evictions from disorderly houses

by Randy Billings November 28, 2017November 28, 2017

The proposed changes come after innocent residents lost their place to live because a landlord failed to comply with a court order to fix problems at his apartment building.

Cops & Courts, Local & State, News

Fifth arrest made in Poland armed robbery

by Randy Billings November 25, 2017January 26, 2018

A transient, Isaiah Strong-Gassama, 20, was arrested Friday night, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office says.

Business, Local & State, News

Shoppers support small retailers, worthy causes in downtown Portland

by Randy Billings November 25, 2017November 25, 2017

Shop for a Cause, a fundraiser that this year will benefit Amistad, a nonprofit that helps people struggling with substance abuse, coincides with Small Business Saturday.

Business, Local & State, News

Portland council approves Maine Med’s zoning request for acquired properties

by Randy Billings November 21, 2017November 21, 2017

Some neighbors oppose the so-called overlay zone, part of the hospital’s $512 million expansion, because of the potential loss of popular restaurants and 19 units of housing.

Local & State, News

Portland to require prevailing wage for workers on developments that get tax breaks

by Randy Billings November 20, 2017November 21, 2017

The City Council also grants $6.5 million in tax breaks to two affordable housing projects that could add 135 units, more than half of which would be considered affordable.