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.
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 inMaine, 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.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine
Bill would impose new fees on vacation homes, short-term rentals
The proposal is generating opposition from real estate agents and tourism officials, who acknowledge Maine’s affordable housing crisis but say a new fee is not the answer.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland mayor rescinds controversial proclamation
The move comes 3 weeks after former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh rescinded a similar proclamation that stirred tensions rooted in a historical conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Restaurants’ complaints lead Portland to look at regulating food delivery services
Two city councilors are drafting a proposal to require third-party food delivery services to have a formal agreement with the restaurants before offering delivery.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Maine
Portland public art gets a fresh look through social justice lens
The city’s public art collection will be reviewed to make sure it reflects cultural and racial diversity and social justice, a process known as decolonizing.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland approves 171-unit apartment building, with more in pipeline
The largest apartment project approved by the city since 2014 could be under construction by this fall, promising much-needed housing.
Posted inMaine, News
New plan rekindles effort to create park on Portland’s harborfront
The city is receiving pro bono assistance from a team of community leaders who share the vision for public open space on the eastern waterfront.
Posted inMaine, New England, News
Boston mayor apologizes for proclamation like one that stirred anger in Portland
Both Mayor Martin Walsh and Portland Mayor Kate Snyder have apologized, saying proclamations that inflamed tensions between Armenian and Azeri communities had not been sufficiently vetted.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland rent board takes shape as lawsuit threatens to derail it
The board’s seven members, once confirmed by the council, will oversee the city’s new rent control rules and renter protections, which are also being challenged in court.