It needs support from city residents and possibly state legislators, and a similar initiative failed locally in 2010, but Mayor Strimling hopes times have changed.
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, Local & State, News
Merchants in downtown Portland look for panhandling solution
A business group will explore ways to curb the practice, which it says makes people feel unsafe, but past restrictions have hit roadblocks.
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Posted inBusiness, Lifestyle, Local & State, News
Contract dispute causes WMTW to go dark on DirecTV
The ABC affiliate in southern Maine may still be seen over the air, on cable or through other satellite providers.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Arianna’s new home gets family out of the woods
The 5-year-old’s family now lives in an Auburn apartment after spending weeks in a Portland homeless encampment. But life isn’t easy.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New tenant protections take effect in Portland
A city ordinance increases the notification period for rent increases from 45 days to 75 days, among other changes.
Posted inLifestyle, Local & State, News
Portland council approves 2017 concert series for Maine State Pier
But the city won’t allow as many shows in 2017 and the promoter has to do more to respond to noise complaints.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland to continue providing General Assistance to most immigrants
People who haven’t applied for asylum yet can still get the benefits, but the cost will be picked up by local taxpayers and not reimbursed by the state.
Posted inLocal & State, News
High court upholds Portland’s approval of senior housing on Stevens Avenue
The Maine Supreme Judicial Court rejects an argument that zoning to allow more than 200 units of housing at a former convent violates the city’s master plan.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Internal records reveal extent of ongoing power struggle in Portland city government
As the mayor pushed for more authority, the city manager fought back in a heated battle that has dragged on for a year. Even a $21,000 outside opinion didn’t end the conflict over interpretations of roles defined in the city charter.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
New councilor Pious Ali is focused on helping others
The Ghanaian immigrant became a citizen in 2002.