Former Toronto mayor David Miller has been named to a prestigious post by a New York university that hopes to harness his city-building expertise.

Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly) announced Tuesday it had named Miller, Toronto's mayor from 2003-2010, as a Future of Cities Global Fellow.

"Mayor Miller’s unique insight will guide us as we explore the interplay between intelligent city infrastructure and economic, environmental and social sustainability," NYU-Poly Provost Dianne Rekow said in a statement.

The engineering school, which is an affiliate of New York University, said Miller will deliver lectures, design courses and provide strategic advice.

NYU-Poly spokesperson Kathleen Hamilton said Miller will also be working with New York University, which has its own urban studies programs, to ensure the two institutions' efforts are properly integrated.

Miller will continue to be based in Toronto, she said.

 Miller said in a statement that the school is uniquely placed "to help its students – and the world – find solutions to pressing urban issues that can improve livability, prosperity and opportunity for all."

While serving as Toronto's mayor, Miller led the C-40 Cities Climate Leadership Group from 2008 to 2010.

During his term, Toronto made many steps forward to reduce its carbon emissions, such as green roofs for transit stations and recladding older highrises to conserve energy.

Toronto received a low-carbon leadership award from the C-40 and other honours, noted the NYU-Poly release.

Since leaving office, Miller has returned to his original career as a lawyer. He practices with Toronto's Aird & Berlis LLP, where he specializes in international business and sustainability.  Miller had been a partner in the firm before entering municipal politics in 1994.

He has worked as a consultant on creating green urban jobs and has been appointed to an advisory role with the World Bank.