Because of cuts in state aid, Portland faces a $10 million gap and needs to raise property taxes by 2.9 percent.
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 inBusiness, News
Developers: Waterfront project would give Portland $200 million boost
Critics say the economic activity is a benefit, but fear encroachment into the Munjoy Hill neighborhood.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Proposal calls for cafe in Portland’s vacant Deering Oaks castle
The group floating the idea has lined up two restaurateurs who envision mixed seating, a simple menu and beverages.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland Public Library picks associate director to take charge
Sarah Campbell will take over the executive director’s job from Stephen Podgajny, who is retiring, on July 11.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Opponents of Portland Co. complex redevelopment show their feelings
With no public comment taken at Monday’s City Council workshop, residents who worry about the scope of the waterfront project wear large stickers expressing their opposition.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Portland mayor meets with Gov. LePage to discuss docked shelter payments
Mayor Michael Brennan and the governor discuss their disagreement over General Assistance funding for Portland’s shelters, along with education and workforce issues.
Posted inBusiness, Food, Local & State, News
Meats are impounded as Portland area chefs innovate with high-risk processes
Food safety inspectors enforce existing rules, but insiders say they need to catch up with the new techiques.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Restaurant inspections improve, but frustrations simmer
Combining more visits with a commitment to food-safety education, Portland’s inspection program chips away at the failure rate.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Federal health agency consults on 22 illnesses at Reiche school
But it is unclear whether more tests will be done to determine what made the students sick at the Portland elementary school.
Posted inLocal & State
Beet salad’s link to illness in Portland schoolchildren uncertain, officials say
Investigators are trying to determine what caused 22 Reiche School students to get sick on March 10.