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.

Local & State, News

Traffic, pedestrian access emerge as issues for major Commercial Street project

by Randy Billings June 13, 2017June 14, 2017

Hundreds of housing units are planned for the former site of Rufus Deering Lumber.

Business, Local & State, News

Portland residents pay $177,000 in interest as Midtown weeds grow

by Randy Billings June 13, 2017June 13, 2017

Taxes generated from Federated Cos.’ proposed development at the site were supposed to cover the tab, but the company continues to delay the project as it assesses market conditions.

Local & State, News, Politics

Portland City Council races: Brenerman will not seek re-election

by Randy Billings June 8, 2017June 8, 2017

His District 5 seat is 1 of 3 council seats up for grabs in November.

Business, Local & State, News

Old Port parking garage does double duty as solar farm

by Randy Billings May 30, 2017May 30, 2017

The array of nearly 600 solar panels will produce electricity for the nearby Hyatt Place Portland Old Port hotel.

Local & State

Eleven developers submit bids for city-owned land in Bayside

by Randy Billings May 29, 2017May 30, 2017

The redevelopment of the former Public Works properties, totaling 4.1 acres, is considered transformational for the Portland neighborhood.

Local & State, News

Portland residents offer to raise money to keep mayor’s assistant

by Randy Billings May 24, 2017May 25, 2017

But such a donation would need to be accepted and appropriated by the City Council, which already voted 6-3 to eliminate the position.

Local & State, News

Portland city budget omits aid for some asylum seekers

by Randy Billings May 23, 2017May 22, 2017

As many as 180 are subject to a law limiting state assistance to 24 months, and officials hope the Legislature can fix the issue.

Local & State, News

Mayor Strimling wants a citizen task force to define his role, powers

by Randy Billings May 22, 2017May 22, 2017

But city councilors say two legal opinions have already done that. The mayor also says he won’t carry through on his threat to veto the city budget over the loss of the mayor’s assistant job.