This research project questions how the experience of integrated and participatory neighbourhood upgrading, which begun under the old regime, can be revisited and reconceptualised as a tool to approach the challenges set by impoverished informal neighbourhoods. The research aims to develop a theoretical and practical framework for developing priorities for inhabitants’ needs within informal settlements. to accommodate local physical, social and cultural specificities. While broadening an academic understanding of post-political change dynamics in Cairo’s informal settlements context, the output would help policy makers and community representatives, to forge more effective partnerships in upgrading projects. The project relies on empirical analyses of the early stages of planning in upgrading projects in two distinct informal settlements in Cairo (Manshiet Nasser and Istabl Antar), the practice of past and current prioritization processes for applied urban upgrading projects are examined. This covers grassroots-initiated and externally initiated interventions by the government and international development cooperation.