The City Council approves the distribution of $1.9 million in federal money, with none for the Portland Community Health Clinic.
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
Council approves new pop-up park on Federal Street
The small section of street next to the Press Hotel will be turned into a park from July 3 to Oct. 12.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Group asks Portland council to consider extending parking meter hours until 9 p.m.
The bicycle and pedestrian advisory committee wants to use some of the extra revenue for projects, but businesses say it would be bad for customers and workers.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors deadlock on $221 million municipal budget
The Finance Committee votes 2-2 on the acting city manager’s proposal, which would eliminate 24 positions and add 2.9 percent to the property tax rate.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Poll finds rising interest in run for Portland mayor
But it’s difficult to conclude much else from the private survey that has released only selected results.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland hires longtime state administrator as social services director
David MacLean previously signed off on two state audits that criticized a city homeless shelter.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland City Council approves allowing 1,000-foot water slide on Franklin Street in August
The ‘Slide the City’ event will take place Aug. 1 and will require the closing of parts of Franklin and other roads for several hours.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council bans ‘vaping’ in public places
The prohibition adds battery-operated e-cigarettes to the city’s anti-smoking ordinance.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland considers snuffing e-cigarettes in public spaces
Use of the vapor devices has grown markedly, prompting debate over their safety relative to tobacco products.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Portland city councilors want to protect funding for dental clinic
The Finance Committee seeks other budget reductions to keep the dental clinic at Portland High School fully staffed.