Recession is now a certainty for Kansas City with the economic debate shifting to how deep and how long it will last, according to a forecast this morning.

Economist Frank Lenk painted two alternatives for the city’s future in his annual forecast for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Neither showed the local economy escaping the broad national downturn.

“Both involve a recession. The question is how severe,” said Lenk, who is director of research services for the Mid-America Regional Council.

In his “mild” scenario, Lenk said he would expect 10,000 job losses locally amid a decline in economic activity nationwide that lasts six to nine months. It also envisions a “nice rebound” nationally but a slower one in Kansas City.

His other forecast shows 30,000 job losses locally and no quick recovery from the credit crunch and lack of confidence nationally.

Read the complete story at kansascity.com