City of Charlottesville Mourns the Passing of Former Mayor Satyendra Huja

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2025

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – It is with deep sadness the City of Charlottesville announces the passing of former Mayor Satyendra Huja. Working for the City for 33 years, Huja held many titles, starting as the Director of Planning, then Director of Community Development, and finally the Director of Strategic Planning. He was later elected to City Council in 2008 and elected as the first Indian Sikh mayor of an American city in 2012. He served two consecutive terms until January 2016.

Huja was a dedicated leader whose achievements included establishing Meals on Wheels in the community, and of course overseeing the construction of the Downtown Mall, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026. His endless positive impacts on the community will not be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Huja's loved ones. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, March 1st at 3:00 pm in the Unitarian Universalist Church on Rugby Road.

More on his life and legacy can be found at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyprogress/name/satyendra-huja-obituary?id=57589160

Media Contact:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
media@charlottesville.gov

City of Charlottesville Mourns the Passing of Former Mayor Satyendra Huja