Critics worry that officials are fast-tracking a plan to build a 200-bed homeless services center in Riverton to outmaneuver a citizen initiative designed to block it, but city officials say the project is proceeding on its normal course.
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, Local Elections, News, Politics
A third city councilor bows out of Portland’s November election
Spencer Thibodeau’s announcement widens an opening for an energized progressive wing and Democratic Socialist movement to capture council seats in Maine’s largest city.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland puts Monument Square benches back after outcry by advocates for homeless
A city official says the benches were moved to make space for outdoor dining, but advocates accused the city of targeting people experiencing homelessness.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland City Manager Jon Jennings a finalist for Florida job
Jennings, who has said he will leave his post when his contract expires next July, is one of 4 finalists to be manager in Clearwater.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland says landlords can’t raise rents until next year without board approval
Some landlords are looking for midyear rent increases to help offset significant tax hikes stemming from Portland’s first revaluation in 15 years.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland gets no response to day shelter request
The city offered nearly $260,000 to any social service agency willing to open a day shelter for people experiencing homelessness, but nobody replied.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland Charter Commission hears competing views at first hearing
The 12-member commission will have a year to draft recommendations to present to voters for final approval.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
$46 million question: Portland seeks ideas for spending pandemic aid
Portland is expected to receive more than $46 million in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act over the next year, but it can only be spent on certain uses.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland councilors eye competing shelter referendum
One councilor is looking to include new shelter licensing rules in a competing proposal, while another is working with constituents to come up with a compromise that will please both the city and concerned residents.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Portland Charter Commission will seek public input at hearing
Commissioners say topics broached at Wednesday’s hearing will likely include the structure of city government, the relationship between city and school leadership, diversity and equity, policing and housing.