Vulcan proposes a modular IoT device between varying sensors into a standardized protocol that’s reusable across local governments and compliant with the NIST cybersecurity framework. Vulcan prioritizes low implementation cost, high resiliency, and cybersecurity. Firstly, rather than forcing costly infrastructure overhauls, Vulcan integrates with existing systems through plug-and-play modules that allow for iterative adoption. Secondly, we equip each device with redundant processing and enable nearby Vulcan devices to form private networks that offload intensive tasks to a remote server, ensuring long-term durability and efficiency. Lastly, we implement a zero-trust architecture that’s bolstered by key principles from the NIST CSF core, such as session authentication for each node, ensuring that even if individual nodes are compromised, network integrity remains intact. By creating this flexible foundation, we enable cities to evolve their digital infrastructure organically while maintaining ownership over their data and operations.