City officials announce that they are distributing the donations to 11 groups who helped the city accommodate nearly 450 asylum seekers last summer.
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, Maine, News
Portland panel to vote on first phase of ambitious waterfront redevelopment
The first phase of the Portland Foreside development includes a mix of new buildings, including the renovation of the remaining historic buildings, one of which is slated to become a public market.
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Posted inMaine, News
Portland gets $750,000 federal grant for new waterfront park
Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins announce that the city will receive money to go toward Portland Landing, a $16 million project planned for the eastern waterfront.
Posted inMaine, News
Saturday’s warmth sets high-temperature record in Portland
Mainers were making the most of the warm weather, and the Eastern Promenade Trail was buzzing with activity.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland officials highlight potential uses of face-scanning technology
Four city department heads downplay flaws and potential misuse ahead of a scheduled City Council vote on a proposed ban.
Posted inMaine, News
Bathhouse and sauna project aims for ‘thermal delight’ in Portland
Washington Baths, currently under construction, plans to provide a ‘communal bathing experience’ and massage services to the general public sometime next fall.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland has plans to smooth Old Port streets’ rough edges
Wharf and Dana streets in the Old Port could be facing a makeover to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and local businesses.
Posted inBusiness, Food & Dining, Maine, News
Decade of dramatic change leaves Portland facing challenges
Maine’s largest city established a national reputation as a destination while becoming a political trend-setter and a hotbed of economic development. But with it came growing pains.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Developer’s request would lay groundwork for Portland’s tallest building
Tim Soley wants city planners to double the heights allowed for new building projects in the Old Port that create and preserve publicly accessible open space.
Posted inMaine, News
Influx of asylum seekers has Portland scrambling to find daytime shelter
The City Council is seeking a place where asylum seekers can get out of the cold, and City Manager Jon Jennings hopes Gov. Janet Mills’ administration will take the lead in what he says is a regional issue.