The ordinances would limit rent increases and allow residents to block rezoning proposals in their neighborhoods.
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
Portland rents level off, but remain unaffordable for many
With a 2-bedroom apartment going for $1,605, housing activists say a stabilization measure is needed.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland initiative’s aim: More say in rezoning for neighbors of development
Voters will decide if those living near planned projects should be able to rein in the city, or if the solution they seek would impede growth.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Report makes 15 recommendations for increasing affordable housing in Portland
A City Council panel will review the report, which suggests providing more funding and tightening rules governing conversion of apartments into condominiums, on Thursday.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Challengers shake up race for at-large seat on Portland City Council
The three candidates in the city’s most contentious race disagree on the hot-button issues of housing and school renovations.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Candidates for Portland council seat in District 5 tackle housing costs, wealth gap
Relative newcomers to District 5 and a 15-year resident offer ideas to make Portland living more affordable.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Opponents in Portland’s District 4 council race divided on rent stabilization effort
Newcomer Kimberly Rich supports Question 1 on the city ballot, but incumbent Justin Costa fears unintended consequences.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland Democrats plagued by infighting weeks before election
At the center of the tensions is the race for an at-large seat on the City Council.
Posted inLocal & State, News
On Peaks, horse farm caught in crossfire as newcomers buck long-held local views
A simmering feud between island neighbors has led the city of Portland to issue citations over zoning – and has put the equine refuge on alert.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland would add Wi-Fi to lampposts as part of $8.5 million project to upgrade lighting
Switching to LED bulbs and other ‘smart cities’ technologies that allow monitoring and control of the fixtures will save the city money in the long run.