Residents say the city needs time to assess the impact as larger condos replace apartments and historic structures in Portland’s booming East End.
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 & State, News
Landfill problems pile up, dimming Portland’s plan for solar array
The city is ordered to do more to secure the leaking landfill, and to stop or reverse some of the initial repairs.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Business community a force in Portland election
‘No’ campaigns on rent control and zoning questions held big spending edges, thanks mostly to businesses such as developers and Maine Med.
Posted inLocal & State, News
If you voted in Portland and you’re looking for your teeth, read this
The Portland City Clerk is seeking the owner of a set of dentures left in a polling booth Tuesday.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Again this year, neighborhoods off Portland peninsula carried clout in city elections
With more voters and higher turnout, the city’s outlying neighborhoods, anchored by families and older residents, often call the shots.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Voters turn down measure to make Portland first Maine city to cap rents
The decision comes despite a red-hot real estate market that has made apartments unaffordable. Opponents say the initiative was a bad way to set policy, and backers say they hope their efforts lead to a solution.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State, News
Portland council OKs 3-year police contracts that clear way for body cameras
City officials still need to draft a policy on how and when officers will use the technology.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News
In small California community, rent control’s a mixed bag
While it’s helped many tenants remain in the units they’ve long called home, landlords say it hurts the overall market, with apartments becoming condos.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News
Affordable housing agencies warn against Portland rent control proposal
They say passing Question 1 could make it more difficult for prospective low-income tenants.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Bree LaCasse, Joey Brunelle and Jill Duson vie in high-stakes Portland council race
One of the most expensive races in recent history pits three Democrats against each other and has led to party infighting.