The expected cost of building a new homeless services center on Riverside Street is more than double the city’s $8 million estimate in 2017.
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
Portland prepares for June election complicated by pandemic, ranked-choice voting
City Clerk Katherine Jones says people can request absentee ballots now, including through a new online portal, but the ballots will not be available until May 11.
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Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections
Portland Charter Commission candidates disclose fundraising totals
At-large candidate Marpheen Chann currently leads the pack of 23 candidates in fundraising, reporting over $10,000 raised, while several other candidates reported no financial activity.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council receives recommendations for racial equity
A 65-page report from the Racial Equity Steering Committee, appointed in response to last summer’s protests demanding racial justice, contains a range of recommendations for policing, mental health, housing, employment and even street names.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland manager’s budget begins to restore pandemic cuts
With the help of federal recovery funds, City Manager Jon Jennings’ proposed budget would decrease the municipal portion of the property tax rate, though taxes may slightly increase because of school spending.
Posted inLocal & State
J&J vaccine available Sunday in Biddeford without an appointment
People can also stop by Biddeford High School on Monday through Wednesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for the single-shot vaccination.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland residents pursue referendum to block 200-bed homeless shelter
The proposal, which organizers hope to put on the November ballot, would limit the size of new shelters to 50 beds and thwart plans to build a new homeless services center in Riverton.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland preserves 27 acres of open space for public use
The Rand Road parcel has been a preservation priority for the city’s Land Bank Commission, which is charged with preserving and expanding public open space.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
MECA students challenge college’s concerns about Portland social service plan
They say statements by Maine College of Art officials about Portland’s plan to consolidate social services and public health programs near a proposed dorm reflect classism and disrespect people experiencing homelessness.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors back plan to move social services, but want time to address neighbors’ concerns
The Maine College of Art says it has concerns about the safety of students who will live in a new dorm next door, but others – including a student – say such fears are misplaced.