The city’s biggest loss is a federal torture survivors grant, which paid for mental health counseling and case managers.
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, Real Estate
Two housing projects totaling more than 200 units win approval in Portland
One calls for 63 market rate units at High and York streets; the other would add 150 units of senior housing on Ocean Avenue.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Portland mayor signs letter to Congress in support of refugees
The message is signed by 62 mayors from 28 states, but Michael Brennan is the only mayor from Maine to sign it.
Posted inMaine, News
Mainers will head to Paris as they push for Obama to make climate deal
For nearly a year, delegates from 195 participating nations have been working on an agreement that’s expected to be adopted during a conference that begins next week.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Momentum of Maine Green Independent Party wilts amid dissension
Election losses in 2015 expose rifts over strategy and loyalty as factions engage in a tug of war for the soul of the party.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland police still issuing marijuana citations, despite legalization ordinance
The report comes as debate is heating up statewide and nationally about the merits of legalizing pot for recreational use.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland OKs new eligibility guidelines for asylum-seekers
The City Council makes the program as broad as possible despite questions about how the state will implement a new law on General Assistance.
Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics
Candidates divided over Portland mayor’s role as city leader
The three point to differences in style and on issues such as the minimum wage and the handling of assistance to immigrants.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Campaign for $15-per-hour minimum wage kicks off in Portland
Question 1 on the city’s Nov. 3 ballot will ask voters whether they support raising pay for all workers.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Study: Affordable housing requirements don’t stifle development, raise rents
A Massachusetts think tank says zoning rules similar to those being discussed in Portland can prevent ‘housing segregation’ in hot real estate markets.