Former Toronto Mayor and C40 Leader David Miller Joins NYU-Poly as Future of Cities Global Fellow

NEW YORK, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- David Miller, former Toronto mayor and leader of the group of the world's largest cities fighting climate change, has been named Future of Cities Global Fellow by Polytechnic Institute of New York University (NYU-Poly).

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"We are delighted that David Miller is bringing his international expertise and leadership in city-building to NYU-Poly," NYU-Poly President Jerry M. Hultin said in announcing the appointment. "His insight will accelerate our historical mission of employing New York City as our urban laboratory in which we advance education, discovery and innovations that benefit the urban centers that are home to more than half the world's population."

"In this new role, Mayor Miller will assist NYU-Poly and NYU in developing programs that connect technology and society to solve pressing urban challenges," said NYU-Poly Provost Dianne Rekow. "NYU-Poly identified urban technology as one of our three highest academic priorities, befitting our mission as a comprehensive school of engineering located in one of the world's great urban centers. Mayor Miller's unique insight will guide us as we explore the interplay between intelligent city infrastructure and economic, environmental and social sustainability."

The appointment will include lecturing, course design and strategic roles for the former chair of the influential C-40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (2008-2010). As Toronto mayor from 2003 to 2010, Miller became recognized for innovations that furthered the city's environmental sustainability, economic development and social integration. Under his leadership, Toronto received numerous honors such as the low carbon leadership award from The Climate Group. It is acknowledged as one of the worlds' leading business destinations and as a city that respects social justice.

"I am very pleased to join NYU-Poly," Miller said. "Its long history as a respected institution for engineering innovation, its approach to education and its global collaborations with NYU create a unique opportunity to help its students – and the world – find solutions to pressing urban issues that can improve livability, prosperity and opportunity for all."

Miller is currently counsel, international business and sustainability, to the Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis LLP, and is president of Urban Green Jobs, Inc., a social enterprise that supports solutions to our environmental challenges that create jobs and economic opportunity.

About Polytechnic Institute of New York University

Polytechnic Institute of New York University (formerly Polytechnic University), an affiliate of New York University, is a comprehensive school of engineering, applied sciences, technology and research, and is rooted in a 157-year tradition of invention, innovation and entrepreneurship: i-squared-e. The institution, founded in 1854, is the nation's second-oldest private engineering school. In addition to its main campus in New York City at MetroTech Center in downtown Brooklyn, it also offers programs at sites throughout the region and around the globe. Globally, NYU-Poly has programs in Israel, China and is an integral part of NYU's campus in Abu Dhabi. For more information, visit www.poly.edu.

SOURCE Polytechnic Institute of New York University